Dental Implants San Antonio, TX

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants in San Antonio, TX?

Several factors could impact your potential candidacy. Ideal candidates for dental implants should identify with the following descriptions:

• Good overall physical health
• No dental issues requiring treatment, such as decay, infection, or gum disease
• Sufficient bone density in the jaw bone to support the implant
• Do not use tobacco or smoke
• Minimal or no bruxism
• Excellent oral health and hygiene habits
• Not allergic to any of its materials, including titanium

Even if you are not an ideal candidate, you and your dental provider may decide that dental implants are the best choice for you and your lifestyle compared to alternatives.

If you have any questions or concerns about your candidacy for dental implants, our dentists in San Antonio can provide helpful guidance and information. Please contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss these factors further.

How Dental Implants Work

Dental implants are titanium posts used to replace the roots of missing teeth. Acting as a prosthetic root, a dental implant can support a dental crown or bridge. Multiple implants can be used to support a full arch of teeth (dentures). Since dental implants are made from titanium, they are biocompatible with tissues in the oral cavity. Implants are surgically embedded into the jawbone so that bone can ultimately fuse to and around the titanium post.

The process of bone fusing to titanium is called osseointegration, a biological process that makes dental implants ideal replacements for the roots of teeth. Dental implants are unique to other prosthetics because they replace root structure, whereas bridges or crowns only replace the visible part of a tooth and rest on top of the gums. When the roots of teeth aren’t replaced, bone will atrophy and deteriorate because it is no longer stimulated.

Advanced Smile Care offers dental implant placement for single and multiple teeth as well as mini dental implants and dental implant-supported dentures, also known as All-on-4®. This ensures that no matter the extent of tooth loss, there are appropriate solutions to restore both function and aesthetics to your smile.

Benefits Associated With Dental Implants

Dental implants offer numerous benefits, particularly for patients looking to replace missing teeth, restore proper function, and enhance the cosmetic appearance of their smile and face with the help of a trusted San Antonio cosmetic dentist.

The following are several advantages you can experience with dental implants:

• Prevent changes in the shape of your face, as the implants will support your facial structure in the same way your natural teeth would have.
• Reduced risk of cavities, as the implants will not decay.
• Improved and natural-sounding speech.
• Prevents bone loss in the jaw, as implants provide necessary stimulation.
• Matches the natural appearance and feeling of your natural teeth.
• Makes eating easier and restores bite force better than alternatives that only sit on top of the gums.
• Easy cleaning and care, reducing the risk of cavities in the rest of your smile.
• Reduced embarrassment, such as that associated with slipping dentures.
• Support to adjacent teeth, preventing future misalignment.
• A permanent solution, as alternatives will need to be replaced periodically.

Dental implants can quickly boost your confidence. They have a high success rate for most dental implants candidates. If you’re concerned about any risks or want to learn more about the advantages, please contact Advanced Smile Care. We can answer your questions about dental implants during your consultation.

How to Prepare for Your San Antonio Dental Implant Consultation

We encourage you to come in for a consultation with Advanced Smile Care, as we can streamline and make the entire process more comfortable for you. Patients should come prepared to discuss their medical history, including past surgeries, allergies, current medications, and other lifestyle factors that could affect their candidacy. We may also discuss specific options for your potential implants, such as shape and color.

If we decide you are a good candidate for dental implants in San Antonio, we can discuss a dental implant treatment plan and timeline, review commitment and care requirements, and show you financial expectations. We can also discuss financing options for patients who need support.

If you are a strong candidate for other options that could also be good choices, we can discuss these. Being a candidate for another dental option does not necessarily mean you are not eligible for dental implants.

Once you and your dental provider at Advanced Smile Care have finalized a decision, you can schedule an appointment to receive some or all of your implants. A temporary crown will be placed on your implants until your permanent crowns are ready. Once your permanent crowns are ready, we can schedule an appointment to permanently bond your new, natural-looking teeth replacements to the implant posts.

How Should You Take Care of Your New Dental Implants?

The following are some of our suggestions to improve your healing experience and increase the longevity of your dental implants:

• Switch to a soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent scratching your new implants and remaining natural teeth.
• Stay away from abrasive products, including harsh toothpaste or mouthwash, that are not made for sensitive dental care.
• Floss daily, paying attention to all surfaces between your teeth to remove plaque buildup.
• Avoid sticky and hard foods, such as caramel, hard candy, ice, crusty bread, hard or crunchy fruit or vegetables, and potato chips, which could damage your implants or teeth.
• Do not smoke or consume alcohol during the healing process. Do not smoke after healing to avoid staining or damage.
• Visit your dentist regularly, at least twice per year.
• Speak to your dental practitioner about any other recommendations, including pain relief.

We encourage you to speak to a dental professional if you need assistance while caring for your dental implants. A provider at Advanced Smile Care can help you in many ways throughout your care with us, such as by prescribing medications, recommending new hygiene products and tools, and answering your other questions. Please reach out to us if you need more information.

Interested in Dental Implants to Improve Your Smile? Contact Advanced Smile Care

At Advanced Smile Care, we believe that dental implants should do more than just replace missing teeth; they should restore confidence and improve your overall quality of life. With nearly 40 years of experience in San Antonio, we’ve helped countless patients achieve beautiful, functional smiles through customized implant solutions. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of care, from your initial consultation to the final placement of your implants, ensuring a comfortable and successful experience.

We stand out because of our commitment to patient comfort and satisfaction. From offering sedation options to our unique “Comfort Bar” and post-treatment support, we focus on making your dental journey as smooth as possible. If you’re considering dental implants, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you need dental implant surgery or a full set of mouth dental implants, we’re prepared to help you achieve your smile goals. Contact Advanced Smile Care today at (210) 366-3606 or visit our contact form to schedule your consultation and begin your journey toward a brighter smile.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants

What are dental implants, and how do they differ from natural teeth?

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. Unlike natural teeth, which have roots and a living nerve, dental implants serve as a foundation for artificial teeth, providing a durable and long-lasting solution that mimics the look and function of natural teeth.

How does dental implant surgery work, and is it a lengthy process?

Dental implant surgery involves embedding titanium posts into the jawbone, where they fuse through osseointegration. The process can take several months to ensure proper healing and stability before placing the artificial teeth. This ensures the implants offer a reliable foundation for long-term use.

Are dental implant procedures suitable for everyone, and what factors determine candidacy?

Dental implant procedures are ideal for individuals with good oral health, sufficient jawbone density, and no underlying conditions like gum disease. Specialists in implant dentistry or oral and maxillofacial surgery evaluate factors like overall health, bone structure, and oral hygiene to determine if implants are a viable option.

What are the advantages of artificial teeth supported by dental implants compared to traditional dentures?

Artificial teeth supported by dental implants offer improved stability, allowing for better chewing and speech. Unlike traditional dentures, which rest on the gums, implants are secured in the jawbone, preventing slippage and maintaining the structure of the face, similar to natural teeth.

Can full mouth dental implants replace all teeth, and what benefits do they provide?

Yes, full mouth dental implants can replace all teeth in the upper, lower, or both jaws. They offer a permanent, comfortable solution with superior bite force and a natural appearance compared to other methods. Implant dentistry ensures that the artificial teeth function like a complete set of natural teeth, restoring confidence and oral health.