Dental Implants

Are you missing one more of your teeth? Or are you struggling with dentures that don’t fit well or are uncomfortable? Dental implants solve both of these common dental problems.

While dental implants can replace individual missing teeth, they can also permanently mount dentures. Having a dental implant can give you a tooth that looks exactly like the one you lost, restore your smile, and enable you to eat comfortably. They are also long-lasting, and advances in technology for dental implants have made this procedure much easier. Dougherty Cosmetic Dentistry in San Antonio can help you make your decision as to which dental implants are right for you.

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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!

Single Tooth Implant

An implant can replace a gap from a lost tooth. With modern techniques, a single dental implant is a simple procedure, and you can have your tooth back easily. First, we will insert the implant in your mouth. Then, after the implant settles, we will place a special type of crown over it.

Two Implants to Support a Bridge

A single tooth implant can be used to replace several teeth in a row, using a “fixed bridge.” We place implants in your jaw and then connect a series of crowns in between them. In this way, we can replace a group of missing teeth with just two implants.

Several Implants to Support Dentures

“Full Mouth Restorations” or full arch replacements are a permanent alternative to removable dentures. With this procedure, we can often place two to six implants under an existing denture to hold it in place. If the denture is too worn, we may have to make a new denture to fit the implants.

All-On-4 Dental Implants

Learn more about All-On-4 Dental Implants (here) as a denture alternative! This procedure is the peak of dental implant technology, and it is also now being done routinely for thousands of people. The process is completed in one visit and permits immediate functioning. All-On-4 uses four implants that are used to replace all of the teeth on the top or the bottom of your mouth.

Dental implants provide several significant benefits that can improve the quality of life for those with missing teeth. Improved appearance is one of the primary benefits of dental implants. They can help restore natural smiles and facial contours. Additionally, they are designed to be a long-term solution, lasting up to 25 years or more.

Dental implants also help improve speech. They provide a stable base for artificial teeth, which can help restore speech clarity. They can also improve comfort since they are permanent and do not need to be removed for cleaning or sleeping like traditional dentures.

Lastly, dental implants can improve dental health. Unlike traditional dentures, they do not require adjoining teeth to be healthy, making cleaning easier. They also do not decay, which can help reduce the risk of further dental health complications.

The cost of dental implants can vary greatly depending on the type of implants chosen and the number of implants needed. Generally speaking, a single implant may cost between $1,500 and $6,000, while multiple implants can cost up to $25,000 or more.

It depends on the insurance plan, but some dental insurance plans may partially or fully cover the cost of dental implants. Check with your insurance provider to see if your plan covers any part of the cost.

Yes, getting dental implants can be cost-effective in the long term. Dental implants can last for decades and require minimal maintenance, which can help reduce costs in the long run. Dental implants can also help prevent other dental problems, like gum disease, which can help reduce costs associated with treating those problems.

Dental implants have a success rate of over 95% and can last many years with proper care. Dental implants can last for decades with good oral hygiene, regular professional cleanings, and regular check-ups with your dentist.

No, dental implants are not usually painful. You won’t feel any discomfort because the implant placement operation is normally done while you are sedated and under local anesthetic. After the procedure, you may experience some temporary discomfort or swelling, but this should subside in a few days.

The overall timeline for dental implants can vary depending on the individual case, but the process generally takes 4-6 months. The first step is typically a consultation with a dentist, followed by a few weeks of preparation. Then, the implant is placed and the healing process takes 4-6 weeks. The final step is the restoration placement, which usually takes 1-2 weeks.

The recovery time for dental implants typically ranges from 3 to 6 months. The time it takes for a patient to fully recover from the procedure will depend on their situation and the extent of their dental work.
What are the risks associated with dental implants?

The risks associated with dental implants vary depending on the individual, the type of implant, and the provider. In some cases, additional surgery may be required to correct any issues. Therefore, discussing the potential risks with your dentist before implant surgery is important.

Yes, it is possible to get dental implants even if you have existing dental work. However, your dentist will need to evaluate your existing dental work and the condition of your mouth before determining if implants are a viable option for you. The dentist may also need to adjust your existing dental work to accommodate the implants.