Dental Implants: A Great Investment Into Your Health

Dental Implants: A Great Investment Into Your Health

dental implants San AntonioMissing dentition can occur due to trauma, decay, disease, or teeth that never erupted. There are different avenues that can be taken to restore or replace one or more lost teeth. The solution that is most like your own biological teeth is obtained through dental implants.

The dental implant process is not completed over night. The time commitment and financial investment will be well worth it, and it usually starts out with a consultation with your dental provider.

This initial meeting will include a discussion about overall health. A thorough dental evaluation is also completed that includes dental x-rays (needed to determine bone strength where tooth loss has occurred). If bone is insufficient, the patient may require bone grafts.

Once approved to move forward, the dental implant can be placed. This small titanium unit is surgically embedded in gum tissue where tooth loss has occurred. Titanium is used for a couple of reasons … it has been proven to discourage rejection; and bone grafts to titanium allowing for a solid base for the restoration it is designed to support.

The healing period follows, in which during this time the patient has some type of temporary in place to protect the implant area. To prevent infection, the patient is given a regimen to follow to keep the implant area clean. Infection is a leading factor in implant failure.

The patient is highly discouraged from using any kind of tobacco. Smoking and tobacco use is another primary reason for a lost implant.

Occasional dental visits will assure that the healing process in staying on track. The healing period varies from patient to patient.

When healing is completed, an abutment is attached to the dental implant. The final restoration is tried in … small adjustments can be made at this time if needed. When ready, the restoration is permanently cemented in place.

The final result is a beautiful and natural prosthesis that is indistinguishable from your biological teeth. It perfectly matches neighboring dentition in size, shape, and color.

But more importantly, you now can speak clearly; smile with self-confidence; and now you can eat all the foods you love. There are no diet restrictions.

Caring for your implant requires daily brushing and flossing and visiting your dentist every six months to maintain great dental health to last a lifetime.

Contact our office today to discover your own options!