Dental Implants San Antonio, TX

Implants are titanium metal posts that replace the tooth roots. Dental implants anchor to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone. They form a foundation for a false tooth, bridge, or denture. We provide restorative dental care with dental implants for patients with missing teeth in San Antonio, TX.

Dr. Bassam Abazid can help coordinate care for one or more missing teeth with implant restorations. Dental implants can support a single dental crown to replace a missing tooth.

Implants can also secure bridges to prevent the need for tooth preparation. Many patients also prefer implant-supported dentures to avoid problems like slipping dentures. No matter the number of missing teeth, implants offer a strong replacement. 

Dental Implants in San Antonio, TX

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants in our San Antonio, TX office provide many advantages over removable dental restorations. Implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement for a reason.

Dental implants offer many benefits, including:

  • Improved Look: If you have missing teeth, you likely hide your smile around others. Implants secure restorations made of tooth-colored materials. Dental implants secure restorations that match the shape and shade of natural teeth. You can fill the gaps left by missing teeth with natural-looking, durable tooth replacements.
  • Full Mouth Function: Replacing missing teeth with implants helps improve eating and speaking. Because implants act as artificial tooth roots, they allow you to eat foods you can’t with removable dentures. Replacing missing teeth also helps you pronounce words more clearly.
  • Long-Lasting Results: The implant posts themselves are permanent. Like natural, healthy tooth roots, implants will support your restoration for years. While you may need to replace your restoration over time, the implants will stay in place.

Dental implants are one of the best tooth replacement options for patients with one or more missing teeth. If you suffer from pain and embarrassment because of missing teeth, implants can help.

Implant Pretreatment

The cost of dental implant treatment will often depend on the number of missing teeth, type of restoration, and pretreatment. Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and good oral health. In all cases, dental implants require the appropriate care to last a lifetime.

We recommend dental implants for patients in good health who have missing teeth. However, we can provide treatment before implant surgery to ensure patients are good candidates for dental implants.

We recommend bone grafting if you have lost natural jaw bone tissue after losing your permanent teeth. Jaw bone loss is a common problem after you lose permanent teeth. Dental implants require enough jaw bone for support. We can provide donor bone or use bone from another part of your mouth if you need more healthy jaw bone.

In addition, we can provide gum disease treatment or cavity treatment to improve your oral health. You must be in good oral health before implant treatment to prevent implant failure. 

We will take digital X-rays to determine if you require pretreatment. These X-rays also help determine where to place your dental implants. Once you are healthy, we will begin treatment. 

Dental Implants in San Antonio, TX

Implants are so well-designed that they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Dental implants are made of synthetic yet biocompatible materials. These materials easily fuse with the jaw bone to replace missing teeth at the root.

To begin treatment, the surgeon will numb the mouth before we place the implant or implants to ensure your comfort. Then, the surgeon will put the implants in the jaw bone.

The bone tissue will anchor to the implant post over three to six months following implant surgery. The jaw bone will grow around the dental implants during healing, ensuring their stability.

During a follow-up procedure, we will connect a metal abutment to connect the restoration to the implants. It will take more time for this piece to heal.

Finally, we will place the final restoration. We take impressions of the mouth for a custom fit. Our office sends these impressions to a dental lab.

In the lab, technicians can create dental crowns, bridges, or dentures from high-quality, strong materials. Your restoration is also color-matched to your natural teeth.

Dental Implants: Post-Op Care

After treatment, we will recommend antibiotics to prevent infection. We will also prescribe pain medication so you feel comfortable as you heal. You should eat a soft diet 24 to 48 hours after treatment.

Implants can fail. This can happen because of tobacco use or infection. As you heal, we recommend that you avoid smoking or using tobacco products.

The nicotine in tobacco restricts the blood vessels. If there is not enough blood flow to the implant sites, it takes longer for them to heal.

Additionally, peri-implantitis is an infection you can develop after you receive your final restoration. Even if you successfully receive implants, an infection can loosen your implants. This is why you must clean your mouth after treatment.

You can clean implant-supported restorations like natural teeth. Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Some patients may find it simpler to floss with water flossers. However, you can still use threaded floss to clean between your restorations.

Continue to schedule regular dental appointments in our office. We will examine your restoration and ensure any remaining teeth are healthy. Contact our office if you notice a change in the fit or feel of your restoration.

What are Full Mouth Dental Implants?

Full mouth dental implants replace all of your missing teeth. An implant-supported denture can replace the upper and lower teeth. While removable dentures improve the smile’s appearance, they cannot offer the full support of dental implants. Removable dentures can slip, injure the gums, and lead to jaw bone loss.

However, we do not need to replace every missing tooth with an implant. We can secure an entire arch of missing teeth with as few as four dental implants. This is called All-on-Four.

What is “Teeth in a Day”?

“Teeth in a Day” refers to getting a dental restoration the same day as implant treatment. We work with oral surgeons who can remove problem teeth, place implants, and then place a temporary restoration in one visit. While “Teeth in a Day” does not mean you receive your final restoration, it ensures you are not without teeth.

You do not need to hide your smile as you heal from implant surgery. Instead, you can smile with confidence around others.

Restore Your Smile

Do you need to replace one or more lost teeth? Ask us about dental implants in San Antonio, TX, today. Call Smile Land Family Dental at 210-939-9689. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Abazid online. 

Our office provides dental treatment to patients in the Dreamhill Estates, Apple Creek, and Oak Hills communities. Please let us know if you have further questions or concerns about dental implants. We will help you determine if dental implants are right for you.