What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a replacement for a tooth done in two steps. First, we insert a small titanium “root replacement” where the root of the tooth used to be. We use titanium because the body accepts it easily, and it fuses into the jawbone and provides a solid base for the replacement tooth. Then, once the implant has “settled,” we place a new tooth onto it. Dental implants have a lot of strength and durability, and once the procedure is complete, you can eat as if you had your natural tooth.

Replace Missing Teeth

Another great use of dental implants is to replace a series of missing teeth. If you are missing too many teeth for a bridge to be strong enough, then we can place a bridge between two dental implants. In this way, we can permanently mount an entire bridge — and you feel as if you have a full set of teeth again!

If you would like to learn more about dental implants, here’s an article that covers all the basics: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants.

The quality service from the time I called to set up my appointment to the end of my visit was just awesome. Besides his professional service and skills, Dr. Dougherty listens and answers with great patience and genuine care. I was referred by one of his colleagues, and this is one of the best referrals I have been given in San Antonio. In my personal opinion, it is really hard to find a real, honest, knowledgeable, and highly professional person like Dr. Dougherty in this part of Texas!” – H.K. 

All On 4: One full arch of teeth held in place with four dental implants

All on 4 is an exciting alternative for patients considering dentures or who have extensive dental problems that would require years to fix. In essence, we can replace all the diseased teeth in your mouth with a beautiful prosthetic set. And the implants not only lock it in, but they also help to keep the bone in your jaw intact.

How All in 4 Works

With All in 4, when placing a full arch of teeth, you do not need a dental implant for each of the missing teeth. All you need is four strategically placed implants on the top of your mouth, and four on the bottom, to restore your full smile. That’s what makes the All on 4 technology so optimum for this type of tooth replacement.

As we make the implant of titanium, it has the unique ability to fuse to living bone and function just like a natural tooth root. Eventually, the dental implant becomes part of the jawbone and serves as a strong, long-lasting foundation for your new teeth.

Once we have inserted the dental implants, it takes some time for your jaw to heal as the implants fuse to your jawbone. At that point, you’ll come back in and your team will replace your temporary teeth with a permanent, customized smile designed just for you.

Besides ensuring that your implants are permanently fixed in place, this bone fusion has another important benefit: it prevents future bone loss in the jaw. This helps to maintain a more youthful facial structure and better oral health. But perhaps the biggest surprise about the All On 4 is how quickly it can transform your life.

The All On 4 treatment concept is NEW!

All On 4 uses four implants placed in the anterior region of the jaw, allowing the fitting prosthesis with 12 to 14 teeth to be placed immediately on the day of the surgery. The procedure is done in one visit and permits immediate functioning.

Once the final prosthesis is attached, you become a regular dental patient. You’ll receive your routine exams just like you normally would. And you’ll smile and eat with confidence, knowing that nothing is going to fall out.

My visit to Rolling Oaks Dental was great. Dr. D was very informative. Every specific question I had was answered. VERY SPECIFIC. My visit was great from the time I got there until I left. When my treatment plan was presented to me, the finance person made sure I understood the costs. The office was very nice!” – Victoria C. 

“Teeth in a Day” or “Same Day Smile”

You may have seen advertisements or heard the phrase, “Teeth in a Day”. This is a popular term that is sometimes being used to describe this procedure. While this terminology oversimplifies things just a little, we can literally transform a patient’s smile on the day of delivery.

For those familiar with All On 4 or “Teeth in a Day”, there are a lot of misconceptions out there. For example, one misconception is that it can only be performed by the big corporate chains that advertise this treatment option exclusively. This is not true.

At Rolling Oaks Dental, we not only have a team of highly trained and experienced dentists, but we also have an exceptional oral surgeon on staff. This means we can perform this incredible, life-changing service for you at the same cost as the big chains, and all in one location.

By having this procedure done with us, you will continue to receive the care, attention to detail, service, and follow-up that you’re used to. The big chains that offer the All on 4 exclusive service don’t offer routine exams, hygiene services, and oral cancer screenings that are still imperative to your dental health. Your Rolling Oaks dentist offers it all.

Are you a candidate?

If you think you’re a candidate for the procedure, or you just want to learn more about it to help someone you know, contact your general dentist to see if it is something they offer. It is truly a life-changing treatment option. If you are in San Antonio, our dentists would be happy to help you!