A dental implant is similar in design to a screw with a threaded end and a head. It can be made of either titanium metal or non-metal ceramic material.
Titanium tends to be the more commonly used material, though patients having a front tooth replaced may worry about the dark coloring being seen through the gums. Additionally, patients with metal sensitivity also prefer the ceramic option.
Once the tooth implant is set in the bone and the bone has grown and healed around it, the implant can be used as a stable anchor in your mouth. With a firm anchor, we can attach a single dental crown for a fully rebuilt independent tooth or use it as part of a prosthetic system with a dental bridge or denture.
The surgical implantation of dental implants is a minimally invasive procedure approved for most patients in our San Antonio, TX, dental office. Still, they do need to be able to heal at a reasonable rate. We provide implant dentistry options to our new and existing patients in San Antonio, Texas.
Good Candidates for Dental Implants
Losing even a single tooth can adversely affect oral health, aesthetics, and self-confidence. Not only does the lost tooth leave a gap, but it can also make the remaining teeth crooked by shifting them out of alignment.
At Advanced Dental Associates, we can offer you dental implant placement, which is the most effective, natural-looking, and comfortable tooth replacement treatment in dentistry. Let us find out if you are an ideal dental implant candidate.
Factors That Go Into Implant Treatment
The good news is that most people can be good candidates for dental implants. Explore some factors to determine if you need dental implants:
- If you are missing a single tooth: If you have lost one tooth, you can easily replace it with a dental implant. An implant is better for oral health because, unlike a dental bridge, it does not damage the neighboring teeth and prevents bone resorption.
- If you are missing multiple teeth: You can also be a good candidate for a dental implant if you are missing more than one tooth or do not have any teeth. At Advanced Dental Associates, we can offer you implant-supported dentures and the All-on-4 Treatment Concept that can restore your teeth.
- If you do not want dentures: Although dentures have also undergone modern innovativeness and are now more comfortable than ever before, they are bulky and prone to slipping. In addition, they are also not very durable. Dental implants, on the other hand, can help you eliminate all these concerns.
- Dental implants involve anesthesia and minor surgery if you have good general health. Candidates should be of reasonably good health to avoid any complications related to anesthesia or healing.
- If you have good gum health: Gum disease can destroy the soft and hard tissues of the mouth, which can result in implant failure. So ensure your gum disease is treated and managed before you get a dental implant.
- If you have a mature jaw: People under 18 should not have dental implants as their jaw has not yet stopped growing.
- If your jaw has good bone density: Dental implants require a sound and stable foundation to support a dental crown. If your jawbone is soft, it won’t be able to hold the implant properly.
People Who Should Avoid Dental Implants
There are certain lifestyle habits and medical conditions that can render you unsuitable for dental implant surgery:
- A situation that causes significant immunity deficiency
- Unmanaged periodontitis
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Smoking
- Alcoholism
- Hemophilia
- Bite complications
- Blood thinning medication
- Pregnancy
- Radiation therapy in the head and neck
- Bruxism
Depending on their severity, you may still be eligible for dental implants if you have some of these conditions. Advanced Dental Associates will carefully evaluate your medical reports and the medication you are on and determine whether implant surgery can be performed on you safely and effectively.
Benefits of Dental Implants
With a dental implant, you can have teeth like your old ones. Dental implants also preserve your alveolar ridge and maintain the structure and shape of your face.
Dental implant surgery has a high success rate of up to 98%. You can increase your chances of success by brushing diligently twice daily and flossing once daily.
You should also avoid chewing on complicated stuff like ice cubes and pen stubs, which can jolt the implant or crack the dental crown. In addition, you should never miss your routine dental appointments with us.
Restore Your Smile With Implants
Call us at (210) 655-2753 if you want a dental implant. You can also schedule a dental consultation with us online.