Tag Archives: dental implant dentist

Your Dental Implant San Antonio Experts Can Restore Your Smile

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on March 12, 2024

Welcome to more comprehensive information on dental implants from your Dental Implant San Antonio Experts, where we delve into the transformative world of restoring smiles and oral health. In this blog, we’ll explore things you need to know about dental implants, including the reasons people seek out tooth replacement options to understanding the main reasons people choose dental implants. Whether you’re considering implants to replace a single tooth or seeking a full-mouth restoration solution, join us on this journey to uncover the key benefits, considerations, and insights that will empower you to make informed decisions about your dental health.

Why Would You Choose to Replace a Missing Tooth?

People seek tooth replacement options for various reasons, including:

Restore Function: Missing teeth can impair chewing and speaking abilities, making it difficult to eat certain foods or communicate clearly. Tooth replacement options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures can restore proper function to the mouth, allowing individuals to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Preserve Oral Health: Missing teeth can lead to oral health issues such as shifting of adjacent teeth, bone loss in the jaw, and an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Tooth replacement helps maintain proper dental alignment, support bone structure, and prevent further oral health problems.
Prevent Jawbone Loss: When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone can begin to deteriorate over time due to lack of stimulation from chewing forces. Dental implants mimic the function of natural tooth roots, helping preserve bone density and prevent jawbone loss.
Improve Quality of Life: Missing teeth can have a significant impact on overall quality of life, affecting social interactions, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. Tooth replacement options offer a functional and aesthetic solution that allows individuals to enjoy a full and active lifestyle without limitations.
Maintain Facial Structure: Teeth provide support to the lips, cheeks, and facial muscles, contributing to facial symmetry and structure. Missing teeth can cause changes in facial appearance, leading to a sunken or aged appearance. Tooth replacement helps maintain facial volume and restore a youthful appearance.
Aesthetic Concerns: Gaps in the smile caused by missing teeth can detract from one’s appearance and affect self-confidence. Tooth replacement options are designed to restore a natural-looking smile, enhancing facial aesthetics and boosting self-esteem.
Enhance Oral Function: Tooth loss can affect bite alignment and jaw function, leading to problems such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds. Tooth replacement options aim to restore oral function and promote proper jaw alignment for improved comfort and speech.

Overall, tooth replacement options offer a range of benefits for individuals with missing teeth, helping them maintain oral health, restore function and aesthetics, and enhance their overall quality of life.

What are Your Tooth Replacement Options?

The most popular tooth replacement options include:

Dental Implants: Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement due to their durability, stability, and natural appearance. They consist of titanium posts surgically implanted into the jawbone, which serve as artificial tooth roots. These implants are topped with dental crowns, bridges, or dentures to replace missing teeth. Dental implants offer long-term benefits, including preservation of jawbone density and optimal oral function.
Dental Bridges: Dental bridges are prosthetic devices that bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They typically consist of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Dental bridges are fixed in place and provide a stable and functional solution for replacing missing teeth.
Dentures: Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace multiple missing teeth or an entire dental arch. They can be full dentures, replacing all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or partial dentures, replacing only a few missing teeth. Dentures are typically made of acrylic or a combination of acrylic and metal and are customized to fit the patient’s mouth comfortably and securely.
Implant-Supported Dentures: Implant-supported dentures combine the stability and durability of dental implants with the convenience of dentures. Dental implants are used to anchor and support the dentures, providing increased stability, comfort, and chewing efficiency compared to traditional removable dentures.
Removable Partial Dentures: Removable partial dentures are used to replace one or more missing teeth in a dental arch. They consist of artificial teeth attached to a removable metal or acrylic framework that clasps onto adjacent natural teeth for support. Removable partial dentures are a more affordable alternative to dental implants or fixed bridges.

The preference for a specific tooth replacement option often depends on factors such as the number of missing teeth, overall oral health, budget, and personal preferences. Consulting with your Dental Implant San Antonio Experts can help individuals determine the most suitable tooth replacement option based on their individual needs and circumstances.

Related Articles:

Tooth Replacement Game Changer: Dental Implants San Antonio
Implant Overview by The American Dental Association

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Tooth Replacement?

The preference for a tooth replacement option can vary depending on factors such as individual needs, preferences, budget, and oral health status. However, dental implants are widely considered one of the most preferred tooth replacement options by both patients and your Dental Implant San Antonio Experts.

Dental implants offer several advantages that make them popular among patients:

Durability: Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution for tooth replacement, offering exceptional durability and longevity when properly cared for. With proper maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Natural Appearance: Implants closely mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural-looking smile. The crown attached to the implant is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of surrounding teeth, ensuring a harmonious and aesthetic result.
Bone Preservation: Dental implants integrate with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, which helps preserve bone density and prevent bone loss in the jaw. This feature helps maintain facial structure and prevent the sunken appearance often associated with tooth loss.
Stability and Functionality: Dental implants function like natural teeth, offering stability and strength for chewing, biting, and speaking. Unlike removable dentures, implants remain firmly anchored in the jaw, providing a more comfortable and secure fit.
Convenience: Once dental implants are placed and restored with crowns, bridges, or dentures, they require minimal special care beyond regular oral hygiene practices such as brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits.

While dental implants are a popular choice for tooth replacement, other options such as bridges and dentures may be more suitable for certain individuals based on factors such as cost, oral health, and personal preferences. Ultimately, the best tooth replacement option depends on a thorough evaluation and discussion with Dr. Skrobanek and your Dental Implant San Antonio Experts at GPS Dental to determine the most suitable treatment plan for each individual.

We Want to be Your Dental Implants San Antonio Experts

As we conclude this exploration of dental implants, we hope you’ve gained valuable insights into the remarkable benefits they offer for restoring both function and aesthetics to your smile. Remember, investing in your oral health is an investment in your overall well-being. Whether you’re ready to take the next step towards a confident, fully restored smile or simply seeking further guidance, our Dental Implant San Antonio Experts are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how dental implants can positively transform your life.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.

SMILE: Dental Implant Tooth Replacement Can Restore Your Missing Tooth

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on December 20, 2022

Do You have a Missing Tooth? We can Restore Your Smile!

If you’ve been struggling to smile with confidence, this is your opportunity to renew your smile with dental implant tooth replacement for the new year! While revitalizing your smile can often make you think about teeth whitening, dental implants are increasing in popularity for enhancing smiles and improving oral health. If you’ve suffered from tooth loss, you may think the smile of your dreams is out of reach, the benefits of dental implants are many as they are often considered the best solution for helping you get your smile back.

Tooth Loss is Common

There’s no reason to be ashamed of missing teeth. Tooth loss is actually quite common in all ages of people. In fact, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Nearly 70% of adults aged 35 to 44 years have at least one missing tooth, and 1 in 4 people over the age of 74 are missing all of their teeth. Although early technology (if that’s what you want to call it) used materials such as ivory, human bone, and metal to replace missing teeth, today’s technology has greatly advanced in tooth replacement options.

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants act like artificial roots that can be permanently placed in the patient’s jaw bone. As the gum tissue and bone grow around the dental implant, they become a permanent anchor. A natural-looking porcelain crown will be made giving our patients a beautifully-finished result that is attractive, yet helps to improve chewing, maintain bone and prevent teeth from changing positions. Dental implants can even prevent future problems with a patient’s bite, as they offer a permanent replacement for missing teeth and an effective solution that will look and feel as natural as your original teeth.

Related Articles:

Tooth Replacement: Are You a Dental Implant Candidate?
Restore Your Smile with Tooth Replacement Options
Dental Implant Guide

Dental Implant Tooth Replacement Benefits

We love discussing the many perks and dental implant benefits! They not only look and feel like natural teeth, but they also provide a safe and sturdy tooth replacement that will last for many years to come. You can eat without worry, and can easily keep them clean just like you would your natural teeth.

Benefits to consider:

Look like your natural teeth
Dental implants can last 20 years or more
Easy to keep clean, less work than dentures
Dental implants fully restore a smile
Replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth
Restore full function of the mouth
Boost confidence
Benefits your oral health and overall health
More secure than dentures
Comfortable bite
Permanent tooth replacement

More from the exerts about dental implant tooth replacement:

What does WebMD have to say about the Advantages of Dental Implants? Learn more HERE.
Learn more about dental implants from The American Dental Association HERE.

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

It can be easy to get used to missing teeth over time, but the reasons to replace them are many:

Gaps in-between teeth are harmful for surrounding teeth
A full smile gives you great confidence
If you don’t fill gaps, tooth decay and plaque are more likely to develop
Bone loss occurs
Aesthetic issues such as a sunken and aged appearance
Lose full function of the mouth

The Process of Restoring Missing Teeth with Dental Implants

Figuring out how dental implants work can be confusing, so we’re breaking down the dental implant tooth replacement process. It’s really pretty simple. Some patients can have the implants and replacement teeth placed all in one visit. While other patients might need to wait until the implant is completely integrated, up to several months, before replacement teeth can be attached to the implant. Replacing teeth with dental implants can be a lengthy process – sometimes taking a few months to fully complete, but the reward of a beautiful, long-lasting smile is worth it.

First X-rays and impressions of your teeth will be made.
Next, the implant will be placed. This is a surgical procedure where an anesthetic is given to eliminate pain. We will make a small incision in the gums to insert the implant into the jaw bone. This gives a sturdy post for the tooth to stay on and the jawbone around the implant will be given time to heal. What makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place.
Once the implant is placed, the healing process begins so your implant can fully fuse to the jawbone.
After the healing process from the implants, an abutment is placed on the implant to prepare it for the false tooth. The abutment will support the new false tooth.
Now, after that appointment, your false tooth can be placed (a custom dental crown) and your process is complete.

Note: There is a healing process that usually takes some time. However, during your healing process, your dentist may give you a temporary crown, bridge or denture to help you eat and speak normally until your permanent replacement is ready.

More surgery info from The Mayo Clinic.

What is a Dental Crown and How is it Used?

It’s easier than you think to turn a broken, cracked, or decaying tooth into a healthy, clean-looking tooth. A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. It also corrects your tooth and strengthens it by fitting tightly over your existing tooth. Once it’s set, it’s just like having a natural tooth.

the final step after receiving a dental implant or root canal treatment
to improve the strength or appearance of teeth
for a tooth that is severely broken down, has cracks, or has had a root canal to reinforce the tooth
needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth

Remember, your dental crown tooth replacement is not complete until your dental crown is placed!

Dental crowns will allow your tooth to function normally again without worrying about the tooth cracking. Learn More HERE.

Let’s Recap … Why are Dental Implants So Popular?

Aesthetically, they look just like a healthy tooth; but they also keep the jaw bone stable. If you leave a missing tooth and don’t replace it, over time the jaw bone will disappear. Of course, this can lead to functional problems. Not to mention an aesthetic problem with your face. Because the jaw bone is what supports your cheeks, so the loss of it can lead to small changes, such as deepening expression lines in the face, or ultimately having the look of a collapsed jaw, all causing you to take on a more aged appearance!

Dental implants allow you to be able to chew your food without issue, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts. They are easier to care for too; dental implants can be cared for the same way as natural teeth, with a toothbrush and floss.

We’ve talked about a lot, but we haven’t mentioned the greatest, most life changing reason for tooth replacement with dental implants… Implants are a permanent solution!

How wonderful! Ask any patient that had conventional dentures and decided to have dental implants placed for better support and they will tell you it was the best decision they’ve ever made!!

It’s Time for a Conversation

If you’re ready to take the next step in your smile journey, and have the time to give to dental implants, we’d love to talk with you more about starting the dental implant tooth replacement process. We will create a customized dental plan that works with your schedule to achieve the smile of your dreams with dental implants. We can help restore not only the beauty of your smile, but also the form and function of your teeth. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Skrobanek at GPS Dental in San Antonio, we look forward to talking with you and creating a treatment plan customized especially for you.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.

Dental Implant Dentist in San Antonio

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on March 27, 2018

Dental Implant Dentist in San Antonio – What are My Dental Implant Options?

If you have lost a tooth due to injury, disease or any other circumstance, finding a dental implant dentist might be your best option. A dental implant is an artificial tooth made of titanium metal that’s inserted into your jawbone to replace the root of your natural tooth. Implants can be costly, but considering you could pay a greater, long-term cost if you fail to address the issue, they are worth the investment. If you’re in San Antonio and considering your dental implant options, keep these tips in mind.

Single or Multiple Replacements

If you are in good health, have healthy gums and a solid enough jawbone to hold an implant, then you’re a good candidate for a dental implant. If you are looking to replace a missing or damaged tooth, you can get an implant fitted with a crown. An exam, imaging, and answering medical history questions are required in the initial stages. Then, your implant will be implemented, either with or without a built-in connector (abutment) which will attach to the replacement tooth.

Should you need multiple replacements; a similar process will take place. Temporary teeth can be placed while your implants integrate with your natural bone to form a strong foundation for your replacements. Connectors will then be placed, connecting your replacement teeth to the top of each implant. Additionally, there will be a placement of an implant-supported bridge or crowns to round it off.

Full Mouth Implant

A full mouth implant is also possible for those who need it. This is an apt alternative to getting dentures and keeps your teeth looking as natural and attractive as possible.

After initial examinations and consultation, you can get your implants and replacement teeth fitted, with connectors placed on or built into the top of the implants. An implant-supported fixed bridge or overdenture can also be placed.

Different Techniques

There are various ways to get dental implants. There are Immediate Load Implants, also known as same day implants that allow a temporary tooth or crown to be placed during the same appointment as your dental implant placement. That implant depends on stability and fuses with your natural bone, with the long-term crown implanted three or six months later. This procedure is only advised if you have sufficient natural bone and an implant that is strong enough to support immediate placement.

As an alternative, you can have mini or small diameter implants installed. These implants, which can be up to three millimeters in diameter (regular implants are up to six millimeters), are placed with less invasive techniques. They are used to secure a completely lower denture and are used on patients who don’t qualify for traditional implant treatment.

One more potential option is the All-On-4 treatment. This is where a full arch is placed to either the top or bottom set of teeth, with four dental implants used to stabilize your replacement teeth. Implants are placed in the available bone, eliminating the need for bone grafting. While gum tissues heal, however, you will have to go on a diet for a few months. The final bridge is implemented after six months. This type of treatment requires several appointments.

The best dental implant dentist in San Antonio, Dr. Skrobanek, and his team of experts will make sure all your dental implant needs are taken care of. We can recommend the most suitable procedure and ensure the absolute success of your dental implant.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek is a dental implant dentist and his experienced, friendly team at GPS Dental offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at (210) 633-3477 to make an appointment.