Dental Implants – San Marcos, TX
Replacing the Entire Tooth, Roots and All
Traditional dentures and bridges only replace the top parts of any teeth that are missing; the roots that previously helped keep the jawbone healthy will still be gone. If you want to replace the entire tooth – roots and all – then there is only one option: dental implants. At San Marcos Gentle Dental, we can personally handle the process of placing implant posts to rebuild your smile. Call us if you’re interested in finding out whether you’re a candidate for long-lasting dental implants in San Marcos.
Why Choose San Marcos Gentle Dental for Dental Implants?
- In-Office Dental Implant Placement
- Wide Range of State-of-the-Art Technology
- High-Quality Care at a Privately-Owned Practice
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are embedded in the jawbone and can act as support for crowns, bridges, and dentures. Our dental implants are made out of titanium, which has the ability to bond with the jawbone. This bond is what keeps the implant posts stable and gives them enhanced chewing power. Furthermore, whenever you chew your food, your dental implants will provide the jaw with stimulation, which is necessary for maintaining a sufficient level of bone density.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
What does getting dental implants entail? The details might vary slightly, but the main steps are generally the same: initial implant consultation, dental implant surgery, osseointegration/abutment placement, and the delivery of your new, custom-made restoration. No cases are the same, but the process that is necessary to ensure successful results must be followed correctly, and it looks like the following:
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
To make sure that you receive dental implants, we’ll evaluate your oral health and take any necessary X-rays of your jaw during this initial appointment. If we discover there are any existing signs of gum disease, bone loss, or dental decay, we will suggest that you receive preliminary procedures. These will be incorporated into your overall plan, as well as your cost estimate. These services can include gum disease treatment, tooth extraction, bone grafting, ridge augmentation, a sinus lift, etc.
By incorporating these additional services into the overarching plan, your mouth will become more equipped to successfully support your dental implants in San Marcos.
Dental Implant Surgery
We are pleased to provide the start-to-finish process in-house, so you don’t need to worry about seeking a referral to an outside specialist. Instead, our team will place each titanium post into its designated spot. Tiny holes will be made in your jawbone so that the implant posts can be placed where they need to go. Once firmly in place, the gum tissue will be closed, and protective healing caps will be placed on top of each implant. Our team will help you stay comfortable while the surgery is carried out.
Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment
The implant posts will need a few months to join with your jawbone. This is known as osseointegration and can take 3-6 months to complete. The fusion of the two components will ensure a stable and supportive foundation for your new set of teeth.
Once our team is satisfied with your healing progress, we will have you return to our office and receive metal abutments – small connector appliances – that will be attached to each post. The reason for this is that your restoration will remain affixed to your implant and not slide or slip around.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
Earlier on in the dental implant process, we will take an impression of your smile and provide the appropriate color and dimensions to lab technicians. Using the model provided, they will craft a customized restoration to fit comfortably on top of your new implants. A customized crown, bridge, or denture will be attached during this final appointment. We’ll use the abutments to mount your new teeth on top of the implant posts and make sure you are pleased with the results.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Restored dental implants are so natural-looking that they can blend in seamlessly with your real teeth. But an enhanced smile isn’t the only reason to get implants! There are other important advantages to consider as well:
- You’ll be able to enjoy steak and other relatively tough foods.
- Your new teeth will be easy to take care of.
- The implant posts will help keep your jawbone healthy.
- You can expect your implant posts to last for decades (if you take good care of them).
Who Dental Implants Can Help
There are certain criteria you’ll need to meet before we can place dental implants, such as being free of gum disease and having sufficient jawbone density. If we find that you meet the requirements, then dental implants are likely an excellent choice for you!
Dental implants can be used in a variety of ways depending on how many teeth are missing. Here is a summary of how our team will address different tooth loss situations.
Missing One Tooth
You may have lost just one tooth due to an accident or an untreated cavity. To replace it, we can insert an implant post in the socket where it used to be. Once osseointegration is complete, the implant post will support a beautiful new crown, letting you once again enjoy a full smile.
Missing Multiple Teeth
When at least three consecutive teeth are missing, we may recommend an implant bridge. Getting a bridge that’s supported by implant posts instead of your teeth means that you can keep more of your natural enamel. You also have the option of getting a partial denture supported by dental implants if you’re missing teeth in more than one place in the same arch.
Missing All of Your Teeth
For people who have lost all of their teeth, an implant denture can be a significant upgrade over a traditional denture since the implant posts will stop your prosthesis from slipping. An implant denture can be removable or fixed in place; the kind we recommend will depend on your circumstances.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Some dental implant treatments are more costly than others. Factors like the number of implant posts needed and any necessary preliminary services can add to the amount you pay. We can explain these factors in more detail and create an estimate for you during your initial consultation. Don’t forget that while dental implants cost more than traditional bridges and dentures, they also don’t have to be replaced as often and offer many unique benefits in the long term.