(210) 463-9339
11590 Galm Rd #109, San Antonio, TX 78254
Dental Implant Restoration – Alamo Ranch, TX
A Permanent Solution to Missing Teeth
Tooth loss can be a devastating blow, not only for your oral health but also your overall quality of life and sense of self-confidence. Thankfully, patients in need can find several reconstructive solutions here at Alamo Springs Dental in San Antonio, TX. While everyone has different, unique needs and preferences, Dr. Aiyana Anderson and Dr. Michele Moreno typically recommend dental implants as the ideal treatment solution for patients who want to regain a whole, healthy smile. This revolutionary service can virtually turn the clock back on your smile, giving you teeth that feel natural, look beautiful, and can last for many years to come.
Why Choose Alamo Springs Dental for Dental Implants?
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Partnered With
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Natural-Looking
Dental Restorations -
Preservation of
Facial Structure
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed beneath your gumline and into the jawbone to replace the missing root of your tooth or teeth. After your gums heal, we’re able to place an abutment, which is a connector piece, and a customized dental crown, bridge, or denture to restore your smile. Whether you require one or all of your teeth to be replaced, this procedure can tackle it all.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
The secret behind the success of dental implants is that they replicate the entire structure of the tooth, not just the crown that becomes visible when you smile. Once we’ve determined that you’re a good candidate for this procedure, our doctors will be happy to recommend you to a trusted specialist in the area who can perform the surgical placement of these new “tooth roots.” Simply click on the button below to learn more about what to expect!
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
At your initial consultation, we'll assess your oral health and review your medical background to ensure you're suitable for the procedure. If necessary, we'll assist you with preliminary treatments such as gum disease treatment or bone grafting. Following this, we'll help you plan your dental implant treatment and have detailed discussions on the next steps of the process.
Dental Implant Surgery
Once you've been given the green light for surgery, we'll connect you with a nearby trusted implant specialist for the minor oral procedure. Upon arrival, local anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort. The specialist will then make small incisions in your gums at the designated implant sites. These incisions allow for the precise placement of the dental implants. This careful approach ensures optimal results and sets the stage for successful integration of the implants with your jawbone.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment Placement
Following the closure of the gum tissue and the completion of the procedure, you will be discharged to return home for a healing period lasting between 3 to 6 months. This crucial phase allows for osseointegration to take place, which is when the dental implants fuse with the surrounding bone tissue.
Once you've fully healed, you'll revisit our practice and have small abutments affixed to the tops of your implants, preparing them for the final stage of the restoration process.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
The final step involves the placement of your replacement teeth. At this appointment, we'll carefully ensure that your bite is properly aligned and that you feel completely comfortable. With this last visit, you're all set to enjoy the numerous benefits of your brand-new, complete smile!
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants in Alamo Ranch come so highly recommended by patients and professionals alike because they offer a variety of unique benefits that sets them apart from traditional restorations. The best way to learn about the advantages that implants can provide you with is to schedule a consultation with our team today. In the meantime, click on the button below to learn about the benefits you can reap following the procedure.
Day-to-Day Benefits
Dental implants are incredibly similar to natural teeth, providing patients with the confidence to speak, chew, and smile. With implants, you don’t have to worry about your teeth shifting. They blend seamlessly with natural teeth in both appearance and function. Plus, maintaining dental implants requires the same fundamental care as natural teeth (i.e., routine brushing and flossing, regular dental visits, and a balanced diet). Proper oral hygiene eliminates the need for any additional special care for your new teeth.
Health Benefits
A dental implant is known as the ideal option for tooth replacement due to its unique ability to fuse seamlessly with the jawbone. This integration not only prevents the common issues of bone loss and gum recession following tooth loss but also promotes the preservation of the jawbone's natural contour, reducing the sunken look often associated with aging.
Plus, unlike traditional bridges, implants stand independently, eliminating the need for any alteration of adjacent teeth to provide support. This preservation of your natural teeth is necessary for maintaining optimal oral health, ensuring a strong foundation for long-term dental wellness.
Long-Term Benefits
Dental implants stand out as an exceptional solution for tooth loss due to their remarkable durability, often lasting for 30 years or more with proper maintenance. Although they often require a higher initial investment, their longevity eliminates the need for frequent replacements, which can translate to significant cost savings over time. Additionally, the stability provided by implants allows you to indulge in a wide range of nutritious foods, contributing to enhanced long-term health and well-being. With implants, you can savor a variety of wholesome options such as crunchy broccoli and nutrient-rich leafy greens, supporting your overall vitality and enjoyment of life.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
The best way to learn whether dental implants are the right tooth replacement choice for you is to schedule a consultation so we can examine your mouth. We’ll take digital X-rays of your facial structure and jawbone, allowing us to see whether you require preparatory procedures such as a bone graft. We’ll also conduct a thorough visual examination of your mouth to see if you have any lingering oral health problems that need to be treated before we can begin the implant process. Here are some traits that may not make you a great candidate right away:
- Taking immunosuppressants or steroids.
- Have uncontrolled autoimmune diseases or medical conditions.
- Have bad oral habits like smoking.
- Need to treat lingering oral health problems like gum disease.
- Don’t have a protective nightguard for grinding and clenching.
Just because you may not make the ideal candidate right at this moment, doesn’t mean that we can’t get you there! With a few preparatory procedures and dedication to good oral hygiene, dental implants may still be right for you.
Missing Single Tooth
For a single missing tooth, we can place one dental implant in the gap of your arch below your gums. Once the abutment is connected, we can attach a custom-crafted dental crown to complete your smile.
Missing Multiple Teeth
For several consecutive missing teeth, we can place two implants on either side of the gap in your smile. This will hold a custom-tailored dental bridge into place, closing the gap in your teeth and making it easier to chew and speak.
Missing All Teeth
If you’re missing an entire row of teeth, we can place anywhere from four to eight dental implants along the arch. These will secure natural-looking implant-retained dentures that can be fixed or removable, depending on your preference.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
It’s true that many dental insurance companies don’t cover the cost of dental implants because they still consider them a “cosmetic procedure”; however, our team is more than happy to discuss additional financial options with you. Although this procedure does come with a higher up-front cost, your restorations have the ability to last for up to 35 years. That’s four times as long as traditional dentures, bridges, and crowns! This makes them the most cost-effective procedure in the long-run.
Other Tooth Replacement Options
Typically, our San Antonio dental team will provide a personalized, all-ceramic dental crown to restore simple implants. However, there may be cases of significant tooth loss where this option becomes prohibitive in cost and time. Thankfully, Dr. Moreno and Dr. Anderson offer implant-retained overdentures and partial prosthetics as an alternative. These appliances are designed to attach to the implants placed within your mouth, creating a sturdy and confident fit you can feel great about. Contact Alamo Springs Dental today if you have any questions about dental implants, or if you’d like to schedule a consultation!