What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a replacement for a tooth that is done in two steps. Firstly, a small titanium “root replacement” is placed where the root of the tooth used to be. Titanium is used because the body accepts it easily and it fuses into the jaw bone and provides a solid base onto which a replacement tooth can be placed. Once the implant has “settled” a new tooth is placed 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.

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 the bridge can be placed onto two dental implants. In this way, an entire bridge can be mounted permanently 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 of the basics: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants.

The quality service from th time I call to set up my appointment to th 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 prfessional 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

When you are placing a full arch of teeth, one does 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 is so optimum about the All On 4 technology.

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

Later, as it takes dental implants some time to heal and fuse to your jawbone, 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 a new, exciting alternative for patients considering dentures or who have extensive dental problems that would require years to fix.

All of the diseased teeth in your mouth can be replaced 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.

All On 4 uses 4 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.  Get your routine exams just like you normally would. Smile and eat with confidence 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 tfrom 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 does oversimplify things just a little bit, a patient can literally be transformed 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. One misconception regarding the All on Four with dental implants treatment is that it can only be performed by the big corporate chains that advertise this treatment option exclusively.  This is not true.  Your Rolling Oaks Dentist right here in our San Antonio Dental Office works with a surgeon and a dental lab that are able to perform this incredible service for you at the same cost as the big chains.

The benefit to having the procedure done here locally with us is that 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.

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!