Dental Implants Information

About Dental Implants 

Dental implants in San Antonio are small titanium anchors that adhere directly to the jaw bone to create an artificial tooth root. Once the anchor has adhered to the jawbone the periodontist can then insert a replacement tooth. The replacement tooth looks and feels just like a real tooth and is free of gum goo that goes along with other replacement methods such as dentures. You can eat and smile just as normally as you once did before. Another major benefit of dental implants includes being able to replace a single tooth without affecting the neighboring teeth.

Candidacy 

Before you are eligible to receive dental implants your periodontist will evaluate your current medical history. The evaluation process can take up to one hour and usually requires several tests including dental films, radiography scans and in some cases CT scans. Once you have been selected as a dental implant candidate the doctor will then discuss treatment options, a number of visits, recovery time and aftercare. Remember, a good periodontist will educate you on the right treatment option and will never pressure you into something that is anything less than safe.

Questions you shouldn’t ask your Periodontist

  • Do dental implants hurt?
  • How much are they going to cost me?
  • Can I eat my favorite foods still?
  • Are they going to fall out?
*Most people generally want to know how painful the dental implant process is. The good news is that dental implants are an in-office procedure that produces very little pain. In fact, most patients return to work the next day with only minor dietary adjustments. Adjustments such as eating softer foods for a few weeks until the implants get a chance to settle into the jaw bone.

Questions you should ask your Periodontist

  • Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
  • What are the possible complications?
  • What is the recovery time for dental implants?
  • How much experience do you(The Periodontist) have with dental implants?
A good periodontist will have answers to all of these questions. This is a quick and easy way to weed out any less than qualified doctors.

Why choose dental implants?

There are several reasons to choose dental implants over traditional dentures. First, dental implants are made of highly durable titanium whereas dentures are made out of cast metal and plastics. The dental implant directly adheres to your jaw bone which creates a natural and firm foundation. There is no need to worry about your teeth falling out when eating or denture glue dripping out of your mouth. Yuck! Dental implants also last a lifetime and require no replacement, unlike dentures.

More Dental Implant Information 

Dental Implant Procedure

Dental Implant Problems

Dental Implant Costs

Mini Dental Implants