Implant FAQ's

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a solid anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used in treatments for replacing single or multiple missing teeth.

Why dental implants?

There are a number of reasons why you should consider a dental implant:

Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink. This shrinkage will alter natural contours and can make your face look older than it is.

There are no removable or loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.

Are dental implants successful?

With more than three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95 percent for individual dental implants and for the bridges they support.

Who places the dental implants?

In almost every case, your general dentist will refer you to a specialist in implants and grafting to place your dental implant. The Oral Surgeon places the implant, and does any necessary grafting, with the general dentist doing the restoration (crown or bridge). The doctors here at San Antonio Oral Surgery have extensive training and experience with dental implants and grafting techniques. A large part of their practice consists of implants and grafting techniques. They utilize state-of-the-art imaging and planing software to achieve the most accurate and predictable results.

How much do dental implants cost?

The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants depends on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of dental implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants, such as grafting of bone or soft tissues. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have a doctor examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination, your dentist and oral surgeon will recommend the treatment that is best for you.

Who is a candidate?

Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is the amount of available bone. WIth current bone and soft tissue grafting techniques, many areas of bone loss or defect can be repaired. Our surgeons would be pleased to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.

Is age an issue or problem?

Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate dental implant treatment. Your Oral Surgeon will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.

What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a dental bridge?

Improved appearance: When you lose the entire tooth - crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process, while a traditional dental bridge will not.

Preserve natural teeth: With traditional dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are ground down to be used as anchors for a dental bridge. Dental implants eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.

Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. While follow-up is necessary, normally the implant will serve its owner for life.

How will dental implants affect my life?

Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink most anything you choose. But most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.

Will my new teeth look natural?

When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations. Often they are hard to tell apart from your natural teeth.

Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?

Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity is comparable to that of natural teeth.

How much time is required for a dental implant placement?

Today, state-of-the-art CT guided surgical techniques normally allow you to have the dental implant placed in a single session, sometimes using a "flapless" surgical approach. This new method has significantly simplified the procedure, for both patients and dentists. The major advantage of the guided surgical technique is the accuracy of the implant placement, and the minimal amount of manipulation of the soft tissue. This significantly reduces the healing time and the discomfort normally associated with traditional dental implant surgical techniques.

The conventional process can take from three to four months. First, the Oral Surgeon places the dental implant, which is left for three to four months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, your are given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent is put in place.

The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as your dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the surgeon throughout the treatment period.

Is the treatment painful?

With any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Placing one implant is normally about the same post-operative feelings as have a single tooth removed. Local anesthesia (sometimes in combination with sedation) are commonly used during the dental implant process. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. Your surgeon will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur. Ask your surgeon to recommend another patient who has already had tooth replacement therapy to assess their personal experience.

How will I feel after the treatment?

It is normal to have some minor swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually the discomfort, if any, is treated with an ordinary pain medications. You should expect to be able to work the next day.

How will I care for my dental implants?

Your new implants and prosthesis must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. See your general dentist or surgeon as they advise.


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SAOS

San Antonio Oral Surgery & Dental Implants

3338 Oakwell Court, Suite 204
San Antonio, TX 78218

Ph - 210-656-3301

Fax - 210-822-2701

Monday-Friday: 8:30am - 4:00pm

As an oral surgery specialist, Dr. Jeffrey Wert has extensive experience with dental implants, grafting (bone and soft tissue), removal of wisdom teeth and non-restorative teeth, corrective jaw surgery, as well as several options for sedation We also can diagnosis and treat TMJ (jaw joint disorders), oral pathology, and trauma to the face and jaws.

When it comes to selecting the right oral surgeon in San Antonio, experience is extremely important. San Antonio Oral Surgery & Dental Implants has performed oral surgery for families in San Antonio since 1974. If you trust us with your oral surgery needs, rest assured that you’re in experienced hands. Our entire team is dedicated to being an exceptional Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant practice in the greater San Antonio Area.

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