Dental Implants
San Antonio, TX
Tooth loss is a common dental problem, though ignoring it can cause additional problems. Fortunately, missing teeth can be replaced, and advancements in dentistry have greatly improved how we can do this. Using a dental implant, we can rebuild the tooth from the base, providing you with a firm, stabilized individual tooth, or as part of the replacement of multiple teeth. At Advanced Dental Associates, we can help you decide on the treatment plan that fits your needs for replacing teeth, there are many options including replacing your missing teeth with a dental implant.
A dental implant is a significant upgrade in tooth replacement. This is because it’s more than a replacement, it’s a complete reconstruction of the structure. Implants work differently than other false teeth, with your dental implant we rebuild the root of the tooth, making a direct connection with the jaw bone. The results are a healthier option for your entire mouth.
The 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 we can use it as part of a prosthetic system with a dental bridge or denture.
The surgical implantation of implants is a minimally invasive procedure that is approved for most patients, but they do need to be able to heal at a reasonable rate.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
In general, most patients are candidates, though there may be some preparatory work that needs to take place before surgery. We require that patients have healthy tissue and that there is no disease or infection present. We also need patients to be able to heal appropriately. There are conditions that can limit healing including patients who smoke, patients taking certain medications, patients with uncontrolled diabetes, and patients undergoing cancer treatment. These conditions do not exclude you as a candidate but may require some steps before surgery. If you are interested in finding out if you are a good candidate, we can help.
Multiple Tooth Implants
If you have multiple missing teeth that lower your confidence and diminish your smile's aesthetic appeal, consider getting multiple tooth implants. They offer a permanent and durable solution to all those who want to restore their jaw's full functionality and enhance the appearance of their smile. The multiple-tooth implant procedure follows the same timeline as a single-tooth implant procedure, and the steps are broadly the same, with only a few differences.
Is a Bone Graft Always Necessary?
Bone grafting is not always necessary for dental implants. If you get your teeth replaced soon after tooth loss and your jawbone is still fairly strong, this additional procedure may not be necessary. Bone grafting is recommended for those who have suffered bone loss and may not have the necessary strength to support the posts that are placed within your jawbone.
Additionally, having your denture permanently fixed to your jaw using the All on 4 Treatment Concept does not require a bone graft, even if you have been wearing dentures for years. This is because this system uses longer implants designed to reach the thicker bone and they are placed at an angle to capture even more bone material when placed.
A Permanent Solution
You may have heard that dental implants are considered to be a permanent solution for tooth loss. This is possible because of the actual implant posts themselves. The posts act as artificial roots. Your new tooth root stimulates your jawbone just like the roots of your real teeth, an action that helps to keep the bone healthy and strong. This also prevents bone loss. No traditional tooth replacement solution can do this.
Dental implants provide you with an additional option for replacing missing teeth. If you are interested in finding out if this unique treatment is right for you, contact Advanced Dental Associates at (210) 714-5589 today.