Tag Archives: dental implants

Tooth Replacement Game Changer: Dental Implants San Antonio

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on November 21, 2023

Replacing a Tooth with a Dental Implants San Antonio Changes Everything

One of the most common options to replace a missing tooth is with a dental implant.

Gone are the days of looking older than necessary because of a sagging jawline due to one or more missing teeth. (And dentures are no longer the only option!) Dental implants offer a permanent replacement for missing teeth and an effective solution that will look and feel as natural as your original teeth. And an implant may cost far less than you expect.

Dental implants are the real deal! Did you know that dental implants enhance your smile by giving you teeth that look, function, and feel like your natural teeth and last for many years to come? If you’ve been dealing with missing teeth, then now is the time to finally restore your smile and boost your confidence and oral health. Whether you’ve dealt with tooth loss from decay, an accident, or wear and tear – we love helping our patients restore missing teeth with successful, long-lasting dental implants.

What Happens When You Lose a Tooth?

When you lose a tooth, several physiological and functional changes occur, affecting both the immediate area of tooth loss and potentially other aspects of your oral health. Here are some of the common consequences of losing a tooth:

Loss of Function:
- The most immediate and noticeable effect is a loss of function in the area where the tooth was. This can impact your ability to bite and chew properly, potentially leading to changes in your eating habits.
Changes in Speech:
- Missing teeth can affect your speech, causing difficulties in pronunciation or altering the way certain words sound. This is particularly true if the missing tooth is in a prominent location.
Shifting of Adjacent Teeth:
- The teeth adjacent to the space left by the missing tooth may start to shift into the gap. This movement can result in misalignment and changes to your bite, potentially leading to issues like malocclusion.
Bone Loss:
- The roots of the teeth play a crucial role in stimulating the underlying jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the lack of stimulation can lead to bone resorption (loss), affecting the density and volume of the jawbone over time.
Aesthetic Changes:
- A missing tooth can impact your smile and facial aesthetics. Gaps in the teeth may affect your self-esteem and how you perceive your appearance.
Gum Changes:
- The gum tissue around the area where the tooth is missing may undergo changes. It may recede, and the surrounding gums may become more susceptible to inflammation and infection.
Difficulty in Oral Hygiene:
- Maintaining proper oral hygiene may become more challenging when a tooth is missing. The gap can trap food particles, and the shifted adjacent teeth may create spaces that are difficult to clean.
Functional Imbalance:
- Losing a tooth can create an imbalance in the distribution of forces during biting and chewing. This can lead to increased stress on remaining teeth, potentially resulting in wear and tear.
TMJ Issues:
- Changes in the alignment of teeth and the bite can contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, leading to symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
Psychological Impact:
- The loss of a tooth can have psychological and social effects, affecting self-confidence and interpersonal relationships. Individuals may feel self-conscious about smiling or speaking in public.

To address the consequences of tooth loss, various dental solutions are available at dental implants San Antonio, including dental implants, bridges, and dentures. Seeking timely dental care and discussing replacement options with a dentist can help mitigate the long-term effects of losing a tooth.

What Are Dental Implants and Their Advantages?

Made from titanium, dental implants act like artificial roots that can be permanently placed in the patient’s jaw bone to support a replacement tooth – often included in dental treatments with dental crowns, dentures, or bridges. As the gum tissue and bone grow around the dental implant, they become a permanent anchor. A natural-looking porcelain crown will be custom made giving our patients a beautifully finished result that is attractive, yet helps improve chewing, maintain bone and prevent teeth from changing positions. Implants are also the only option that can replace a tooth and prevent bone loss because those titanium roots act like natural tooth roots and promote new bone growth; they can even prevent future problems with a patient’s bite.

If you are a dental implant candidate, they also,

Restore facial structure and youthful smile
Feel and function just like your natural teeth
Prevent teeth from shifting toward any gaps, which can alter your bite or facial structure
Provide no eating restrictions

The Dental implant procedure is one of the most predictable and safest procedures in dentistry. They’re very durable and can last a lifetime if they are taken care of.

Related Articles:

GPS Dental Can Restore Your Tooth and Your Smile
An Overview of Dental Implant Surgery from Mayo Clinic
Read this Implant Overview by The American Dental Association

Replace a Tooth: Basics of Implants

Today’s modern science has created a wonderful solution for missing teeth that has a huge success rate – dental implants. So, what are they exactly?

Dental implants are devices consisting of small posts often made of titanium used to replace a tooth. These posts are replacements for natural tooth roots and will connect to an abutment, which is built on top of the implant post. The abutment allows the artificial tooth to be connected to the implant post. Three parts come together to create one naturally-looking, strong tooth created by the dental implants San Antonio experts.

Getting a dental implant requires a surgical procedure. Dr. Skrobanek will use a local anesthetic to make sure you’re pain free, and then the titanium implant will be placed into the jaw bone. Before the surgical procedure takes place, you will meet with your dental implants San Antonio dentist to come up with a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs.

Learn More: What to Know About Dental Implants

Replace a Tooth: Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants have become a popular and widely preferred tooth replacement option due to several benefits and a high success rate. Here are some key reasons why dental implants are favored:

Natural Appearance:
- Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function. The crown, which is the visible part of the implant, is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of surrounding teeth.
Improved Functionality:
- Dental implants function like natural teeth, providing stability and strength for biting and chewing. This allows individuals to eat a wide variety of foods without the restrictions often associated with other tooth replacement options.
Durability and Longevity:
- Dental implants are known for their durability and longevity. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for many years, often a lifetime, making them a cost-effective solution over the long term.
Preservation of Jawbone:
- Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, dental implants stimulate the jawbone in a manner similar to natural tooth roots. This helps prevent bone loss and maintains the integrity of the jawbone structure.
Adjacent Tooth Preservation:
- Dental implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, as is the case with dental bridges. This means that neighboring healthy teeth are not altered or compromised to accommodate the implant.
Improved Oral Health:
- Dental implants contribute to better oral health by filling the gap left by a missing tooth. They are easier to clean than some alternatives, and they don’t contribute to decay or damage of adjacent teeth.
Comfort and Convenience:
- Dental implants become a permanent part of the jawbone, providing a stable and comfortable foundation. Unlike removable dentures, there is no risk of slippage or discomfort during speaking or eating.
Enhanced Speech:
- Ill-fitting dentures or gaps from missing teeth can affect speech. Dental implants provide a stable and natural-feeling foundation, contributing to improved speech clarity.
High Success Rate:
- Dental implant surgery has a high success rate when performed by a skilled and experienced dental professional. With proper care and maintenance, the success rate of dental implants is typically over 95%.
Aesthetic Confidence:
- Dental implants can restore a person’s smile and facial aesthetics, enhancing self-confidence and overall well-being. The natural-looking results contribute to a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

While dental implants offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to note that not everyone is a suitable candidate for implant surgery. Factors such as overall health, jawbone density, and oral hygiene play a role in determining eligibility. Consulting with your dental implants San Antonio specialists is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

Learn more about why this popular treatment to replace a tooth is so successful through some of our blogs:

Are You a Good Dental Implant Candidate?

If dental implants sound like a good option for you, it’s helpful to know if you may be considered a candidate for them. You and your dental implant Independence dentists will discuss this in more detail, but here are some of the basics:

Healthy enough for surgery with good oral health hygiene habits
Right amount of bone mass for the implants
Teeth and gums are in good standing health
Patience for the process, it can take some time to be fully completed and willing to invest the time for dental implants – which can take multiple appointments
A non-smoker or willing to stop smoking

These are common signs that your dental implants Independence dentists will look for when considering if you’re a good dental implant candidate.

Customized Restorative Dentistry that is Best for YOU

If you are interested in tooth replacement, it’s a good idea to discuss it carefully with Dr. Skrobanek and your dental implants San Antonio dental team first. If you are in good general health, one of these tooth replacement options, dentures, bridges, or dental implants, should be a good fit for you. In fact, your health is more of a factor than your age. Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or leukemia, may interfere with healing and patients with these issues may not be good candidates for certain replacement options. Remember, using tobacco can also slow healing, regardless of which type of treatment you decide on.

Schedule a consultation with your dental implants San Antonio expert at GPS Dental to see if you are a dental implant candidate for our implant technology. It might be the perfect remedy to preserve a youthful appearance and restore the function of your bite.

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.

GPS Dental Can Restore Your Missing Tooth and Your Smile

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on July 11, 2023

If you’re missing teeth, those daily tasks can become a challenge; however, we can help you restore your missing tooth and your smile. While keeping your natural teeth is always the number one option, sometimes replacement options are needed to restore and maintain a healthy smile. We can help you decide which of our tooth replacement options, implants, dentures, or implant-supported dentures, is best for you and your smile goals.

It’s so important to our daily lives that we can smile, eat, and talk with confidence. At GPS Dental, we want to make sure our patients always have strong and healthy smiles.

Why Should You Restore Your Missing Tooth?

When one of our patients comes in with a missing tooth, they typically have questions. So, we thought we’d try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions related to missing tooth restoration below.

Q. Why should I replace missing teeth?

A. Our patients always realize that a missing tooth affects their appearance; however, that’s not the only reason we should discuss options to restore your missing tooth. Here are 3 main reasons:

Your appearance.
The gap left by a missing tooth can mean more strain is put on the teeth at either side.
A gap can also mean your ‘bite’ is affected, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and change the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can lead to food getting packed into the gap, which causes tooth decay and gum disease.

Q. What happens if I don’t replace my missing tooth quickly?

A. When a tooth is lost, the bone that used to support it disappears quickly. This leads to:

shifting teeth
tooth trauma
periodontal disease
aging of facial features
unnatural gums around a future tooth replacement
lack of bone support for future tooth replacement

Q. How are missing teeth replaced?

A. This depends on the number of teeth missing and on where they are in your mouth. The condition of the remaining teeth also affects the decision.

There are three main ways to replace missing teeth: dental implant, bridge or dentures:

Dental Implant: an artificial root is placed into the bone of the jaw and a crown or bridge is placed on top.
Partial or Full Denture: removable false tooth (or teeth).
Implant-Supported Dentures: An implant-supported denture is an oral appliance that replaces several teeth at once. It’s similar to a traditional denture. But instead of resting on top of your gums, an implant-supported denture attaches directly to your jawbone using dental implants.

Let’s explain dental implant, dentures, and implant-supported dentures in a little more depth …

Restore Your Missing Tooth with Dental Implants

Dental implants act like artificial roots that can be permanently placed in the patient’s jawbone. As the gum tissue and bone grow around the dental implant, they become permanent anchors. 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.

Dental implants offer a permanent replacement for missing teeth and an effective solution that will look and feel as natural as your original teeth.

Dental Implant Process:

Dental implants can fix multiple teeth, a single tooth, or a full set of teeth – so the options are plentiful, making dental implants a popular option for replacement. Implants require three major steps to consider and can take a series of visits to our office to fully complete the process:

Surgical implant placement
Healing from the surgical placement of the implant(s)/temporary teeth placement
Replacement of any missing teeth with crowns

While the process may sound extensive, the benefits of dental implants are many.

Dental Implant Benefits:

Look and act like natural teeth
Durable, long-lasting
Feel strong and stable
Help preserve bone tissue and bone
Allow you to brush and floss normally

Learn More about Dental Implants HERE.

Restore Your Missing Tooth with Dentures

We fit dentures to replace all or some of the teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw. Dentures improve your confidence when you smile, as well as the clarity of your speech and your ability to chew. Modern dentures provide a firm hold and natural appearance to ensure maximum comfort and function.

Partial Denture: This is a plate with one or more false teeth on it. It may be all plastic or a mixture of metal and plastic. Both types may have clips (clasps) to help keep the denture in place in your mouth. Depending on where they are, some of these clips may show when you smile or open your mouth.
Full Denture: Full dentures are a set of custom-made removable replacements for missing teeth. Usually, they require all the teeth in the upper and/or lower half of the mouth to be removed; after removal, the gums must heal over before the dentures can be fitted.

The keyword is: “REMOVABLE“ …

Unlike dental implants and implant-supported dentures, traditional partial or full dentures are removable (not permanently implanted into your mouth). We have a lot of patients who choose Dentures because they can be a quick, non-invasive, and more affordable fix to missing teeth.

If you’re experiencing tooth loss from gum disease, injury, or tooth decay, dentures can help your appearance and smile and restore your ability to speak and eat.

Learn More about Dentures HERE.

Restore Your Missing Tooth with Implant-Supported Dentures

While implant-supported dentures are like traditional dentures, the difference lies in the use of implants for retention instead of adhesive. The implant can reduce the bulkiness of traditional dentures and give more space for the tongue.

This means that the ability to taste food with implant-supported dentures will be greatly enhanced. They’re also sturdier and there’s no need for any adhesive at any time because the dentures are so well supported by the implants. This helps preserve bone, tissue, and muscle tone in the face as well to maintain a more youthful appearance.

Learn More about Implant Supported Dentures HERE.

Related Articles:

GPS Dental Can Restore Your Smile and Your Confidence

If you’re not sure which tooth replacement option is best to restore your missing tooth and your smile: dental implants, dentures, or implant-supported dentures, schedule your Smile Consultation appointment with Dr. Skrobanek and his expert team in San Antonio, Texas. There is not a one size fits all treatment plan when it comes to tooth replacement, after a thorough exam and a discussion about your smile goals, we will create a customized treatment plan for your individual needs to restore your smile and your confidence.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers family dentistry 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 Crowns Restore and Strengthen Your Tooth

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on March 7, 2023

How Porcelain Crowns Can Restore Your Dental Issues

Porcelain crowns can restore and strengthen your tooth and are long-term, durable options for a wide range of dental problems, usually lasting between 5-15 years and can improve the appearance of teeth. Teeth that contain cracks, have a broken-down root, or have had a root canal performed may need a dental crown to reinforce the tooth and strengthen the surrounding area of the mouth. Along with strengthening and restoring, porcelain dental crowns have multiple advantages, such as:

Protecting a tooth from being damaged further: Broken or misshapen teeth can impact your bite and the overall health of your mouth. Crowns eliminate further damage by fixing the problem before more damage can occur.
Change the appearance of a tooth by altering its shape and color: Crowns can improve the look of your smile – helping the appearance of any misshapen, broken teeth, or dental implants and can help you get the smile you’ve been dreaming of.
Uses safe porcelain material that is FDA approved and non-harmful for patients: Porcelain crowns are known to be the most comfortable options for a patient’s mouth and are free of any harmful or toxic materials.
Durable and stain resistant: Porcelain crowns are known to last for many years and are extremely stain resistant, helping your smile stay protected and spotless for a long time.

Along with plentiful advantages, the risks of porcelain crowns are also very low and help restore the form, function, and aethetics of your smile.

Do You Need a Dental Crown?

Whether or not you need a dental crown depends on the function and state of your teeth. If you have quite a few broken teeth, require a root canal procedure, or are having a large filling done, a dental crown can restore and strengthen your tooth and will likely be included in your treatment plan. Your next step is to schedule your smile consultation!

5 Steps: Getting a Dental Crown Procedure

Fitting a dental crown is a common dental procedure done to repair damaged or broken teeth. From the outside looking in, the process of getting a dental crown procedure might seem complicated, but we’ve broken it down into five comprehensible stages:

Consult: At this stage, the dentist will examine your teeth to determine if a dental crown is needed. Dental crowns are often used on broken or misshapen teeth. They might also be used in the case of a large filling or a root canal.
X-ray: A dental X-ray helps your dentist fully evaluate your oral health. With this technology, issues like an abscess, infection, decay, and bone loss are visible. Some of these conditions might lead you to require a dental crown to restore the health of your tooth.
Treatment Plan: If you require a dental crown procedure, it will be included in your treatment plan, along with any other treatments you need to restore your dental health. The treatment plan is almost a follow-up from the consult, but now, you move forward with more information regarding the current state of your dental health. At this point, it is time to prepare a plan of action. If you and your dentist determine that a dental crown is the best option to reconstruct your teeth moving forward, the dentist will prepare a temporary and permanent crown.
Prep the Crown: A final crown needs to be custom made, as they are created to suit your mouth. The shape is determined by using an impression or mold. The first step is filing down your tooth. The impression is made of the filed-down tooth, as well as the teeth beside it, to ensure that the final crown fits in the space perfectly. It takes time to construct your final crown, so in the meantime, a temporary one is used. A temporary crown is made using an impression of your tooth before it was filed down. The temporary crown is manufactured using acrylic-based material and will be done in our office during your visit. The temporary crown protects the tooth while the final crown is prepared.
Seat the Crown: When your final crown is ready, you’ll have to return to the dentist to have it seated. The temporary crown will be taken out, and your final crown will be placed upon the tooth. Once your dentist ensures that the crown is the perfect fit, it will be cemented into place.

Getting a dental crown procedure is a much less intimidating process than it seems, especially once you understand the steps involved.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

Now that you understand how dental crowns restore and strengthen your tooth (restorative dentistry), they also provide a great, natural look (cosmetic dentistry). They help you regain the original look and size of any tooth or can take the place of a missing tooth to make your smile whole again. Crowns must be cared for just like regular teeth, so you can continue to brush and floss the crown just as any other tooth. Although dental crowns are both strong and effective, they typically only last about ten years. Remember that you should continue to check in with your dentist to ensure that your crown is still functioning properly.

To keep your crowns healthy and long-lasting, make sure to:

See your dentist routinely
Brush your teeth twice each day
Floss daily
Avoid hard or sticky foods that could cause damage
Use fluoride treatments, if recommended

Restore your teeth with a Porcelain Crown Smile Makeover

If you thought porcelain crowns were just just used to complete a root canal treatment, now you know that dental crowns can restore and strengthen your tooth and are used to complete many treatments in both restorative and cosmetic dentistry. We also use porcelain crowns on our smile makeover patients. Remember, if you don’t like your smile because it’s cracked, misaligned, stained, or in poor health – we can help! Call and schedule a Smile Consultation with Dr. Skrobanek! We work hard to make sure our patients have healthy, confident smiles they love to share with others.

Restorative Dentistry Procedures Available at GPS Dental

If you want to improve and rejuvenate your smile or have questions about restorative dentistry procedures, we’d love to answer them. And if you need a need a dental crown, know you know that dental crowns restore and strengthen your teeth! Just give us a call and schedule your consultation!

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.

Achieve Your Smile Goals with Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on February 21, 2023

Cosmetic Dentistry Options can help you achieve your smile goals!

Our team loves to see you smile with confidence when you leave our office!

Looking your best and feeling confident is something that everyone can dream about. However, with advancements in cosmetic dentistry, you can achieve your smile goals turning them from a dream to a reality at GPS Dental in San Antonio. After all, your smile is often the first thing someone will notice about you. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of surveyed adults said that a healthy smile is socially important to them.

We want to take the opportunity to share the treatments that may be involved in complete smile makeovers. Each patient is different and there is no cookie-cutter fix when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. There are various treatments that can be involved in a patient’s treatment plan that can include porcelain veneers, SureSmile invisible aligners, dental implants, dental bonding, and professional teeth whitening; whatever enhancement your smile may need, we’re here to discuss your smile goals and help you smile with confidence!

Cosmetic Dentistry Options:

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic dentistry options available for smile enhancement; often the ideal solution for concealing a wide variety of cosmetic imperfections. Wafer-thin porcelain shells are secured to the front of teeth, which changes tooth appearance regarding shape, color, length, and size. This method has proven to be very beneficial for people dealing with chipped, cracked, crooked, stained, discolored, or short teeth. Whether you are seeking to correct the look of one tooth, a series of teeth, or achieve a full smile makeover.

Dental Implant

If you’re missing a tooth, a dental implant may be the best way to restore the look and function of your smile. 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.

SureSmile Invisible Aligners

With so many advancements in dentistry and technology, there are a lot of options to enhance your smile. SureSmile is a nontraditional approach to straightening teeth, and they’ve been clinically proven to provide great results by using their software to create an accurate 3D model of your teeth. They combine advanced technology and facial photos to put together a precise image of your mouth, which allows for the prediction of your teeth’s movements, and are used to create the shape and size of your invisible aligners. Once that’s completed, a unique treatment plan is made just for you! No need to worry about “brace face” or change the food you eat, because they’re removable. No one will know you’re wearing your SureSmile aligners.

Whitening | Bleaching

One of the best and easiest things you can do for your smile is to reverse the signs of age, smoking and even medications by brightening your smile with a professional tooth whitening procedure. We believe that dentist-supervised, professional teeth whitening is the most effective cosmetic dentistry procedure for safely brightening your smile.

Bonding

Dental bonding is an effective method for repairing chipped teeth. Using versatile and resilient tooth-colored composite materials we create a strong structure that still feels like your original tooth. We can match the color of your tooth and restore its former shape with natural-looking results.

Recontouring

One of the few instant cosmetic dentistry treatments is tooth reshaping or recontouring. A procedure to correct cracked or chipped teeth, crooked teeth, even overlapping teeth by re-shaping them to improve the shape, size, or length. It can also help with chipped and crooked teeth. Due to its instant results, recontouring can occasionally limit the need for additional orthodontic treatments such as braces, during one convenient appointment.

It’s Easy to Achieve Your Smile Goals

With so many cosmetic options, and advancements in dentistry, you can achieve your smile goals in a few visits giving you the beautiful smile of your dreams. Now, let’s talk in more detail about a few of these treatments to give you a better understanding of what they entail and how they can help you achieve your smile goals.

Achieve Your Smile Goals: Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are the most versatile cosmetic option available for smile enhancement; often the ideal solution for concealing a wide variety of cosmetic imperfections. Veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are custom-crafted to improve the appearance of your teeth.

Let’s use a simple example … Like false nails, porcelain veneers improve the appearance of your teeth just like fake nails improve the look of your nails. Unlike fake nails, porcelain veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth, so they last and continue giving you a beautiful smile for many years to come!

Porcelain veneers enhance your smile and can be used to correct several common cosmetic concerns, including:

Chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth
Crooked or misaligned teeth
Gaps between teeth
Stained or discolored teeth
Short teeth

Porcelain veneers last much longer than composite veneers, are more stain resistant, highly durable, and more natural looking – making them a highly popular option for veneers. Whether you are seeking to correct the look of one tooth, a series of teeth, or achieve a full smile makeover, porcelain veneers from Adams Dental Group may be the ideal treatment to deliver the beautiful, natural-looking smile you desire.

Customized Results with Porcelain Veneers

Giving your smile an improved appearance with porcelain veneers is often a relatively simple and effective process that produces impressive results. The shape, size, color, fit, and thickness of each veneer is precisely matched to the specifications of your tooth, providing for highly customized results that can look and feel incredibly natural. In addition, preparation for the ultra-thin veneers typically preserves much of the tooth body, which helps maintain dental strength and health. Dr. Skrobanek is highly experienced in the planning, design, preparation, and placement of porcelain veneers to create smile improvements that range from subtle to transformative.

Porcelain Veneers: The Process

You’ll want to meet with your Dr. Skrobanek to discuss whether you are a candidate for veneers. You may need some dental treatment completed before the veneer process, and your dentist will want to make sure your oral health is in good shape for veneers.

Once the process starts, Dr. Skrobanek will:

Prepare your teeth. This often means removing a small amount of enamel.
Make an impression of your teeth.
The impression is sent to the lab to make your veneers.
Place your veneers! They will be adjusted to fit your mouth and then permanently bonded.

Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers

A major benefit of porcelain veneers is a short recovery time. Once your veneers are placed and any anesthetic (if needed) has worn off, you can go back to eating and drinking normally.

To preserve the lifespan of your beautiful new smile, you can:

Avoid opening items with your teeth
Not chew on objects (pens, etc.)
Wear a mouthguard when you play contact sports
Use a retainer at night if you experience any teeth clenching or grinding

You’ll care for your veneers just like you would your natural teeth. Make sure to stay on top of brushing and flossing, as usual, and your smile will be healthy, beautiful, and long lasting!

Learn more about Veneers from WebMD.

Achieve Your Smile Goals: Dental Implant

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

Related Articles:

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.

Achieve Your Smile Goals: SureSmile Clear Aligners

Millions of people undergo orthodontic treatments to straighten their smile, but do they offer dentist-approved results? Having a straight smile can give your confidence a huge boost; making you more willing to show off your smile and also protecting the health of your smile for years to come.

If you’ve considered getting invisible aligners for straightening your teeth, now is the time! Undergoing orthodontic treatment no longer means you’ll be stuck with bulky, traditional braces. SureSmile® aligners are invisible and discreet, don’t disturb your day-to-day lifestyle, and are the best choice for professional dentist-approved results.

SureSmile aligners are:

Invisible. All aligners are clear and virtually invisible. Make sure to keep them clean to keep them clear! Brush them with your toothpaste and rinse clean.
Comfortable. SureSmile Clear Aligners are made to fit your mouth perfectly. No more poky wire and metal braces – you’ll get used to them in no time. They’re also low maintenance and don’t require frequent adjustments.
Removable. Unlike traditional braces that can’t be removed, SureSmile Aligners can be removed to eat and brush your teeth! This means that they won’t get in the way of your daily life and activities.
Customized Treatment Plan. Working directly with Dr. Skrobanek and his Team at GPS Dental is key! Unlike some of the “mail-order” ortho treatment that is available, we are here to guide your smile treatment every step of the way to ensure your success.

The High-Quality Difference in SureSmile®

You may have heard commercials advertising cheaper, mail-order alternatives to SureSmile®. While the idea sounds good in theory, it’s important to know the real difference between SureSmile® and the mail-order alternatives.

SureSmile® aligners are created using cutting-edge technology. According to the SureSmile® website, “An automated, high-precision, laser-cutting process is used to offer the ultimate in comfort. The edges of SureSmile® Aligners are exceedingly smooth, whether you choose a straight or scalloped trimline.” The removable trays offer high levels of accuracy and precision – making sure they always fit perfectly and give you the best dentist-approved results in the shortest time possible.

Learn more about the Science Behind the Process: Why SureSmile? Or Check out the SureSmile® website for additional information.

The SureSmile® Aligner System gives you the peace of mind that your treatment plan is developed by a dental professional. Dr. Gary Skrobanek at GPS Dental has invested in state-of-the-art equipment and software that allows him to see your teeth “root to crown” at every angle imaginable. You can be confident your personalized treatment plan is fully customized and designed for a long-term healthy, happy smile.

The Risk of Alternative Options

In contrast, the mail-order alternative options for invisible aligners can’t give the same, dentist-approved results as SureSmile®. In fact, many dentists around the U.S. have reported that patients who have used the mail-order alternatives are needing more tooth/alignment corrections due to the aligner-process not working correctly. That is the big risk you will take by using a program that doesn’t have cutting edge technology and doesn’t work directly with your dentist to monitor progress.

SureSmile aligners are designed to work and to last. They provide accurate and effective results, providing patients with beautiful, straight smiles. Achieve your smile goal and get started by scheduling your smile consultation at Adams Dental Group is incredibly easy:

Schedule your initial SureSmile consultation at our office.
Your dentist will take impressions and create your customized treatment plan.
Next, you’ll receive your customized invisible aligners and the process will begin.

Achieve Your Smile Goals: Professional Teeth Whitening

One of our most common ways to enhance the look of anyone’s smile is teeth whitening. It’s quick and safe and provides beautiful results every time. While at-home treatments can make your teeth feel sensitive and can take multiple treatments, our treatment is one and done, and doesn’t cause uncomfortable sensitivity. Professional teeth whitening penetrates deeper into the tooth to remove more stains than any over-the-counter product ever could.

Professional teeth whitening delivers optimum results in a relatively short amount of time. Performed under the supervision of a dentist, this method of whitening has gained popularity among those who either are dissatisfied with over-the-counter (OTC) products or are preparing for a special occasion.

Related Article: Cosmetic Dentistry: Is Your Wedding Smile Camera Ready?

Here are a few culprits that can leave stains on your teeth:

Food and drink: As we mentioned above, our normal eating and drinking routine can dull our teeth and leave behind stains. Certain foods are high in pigmentation or acid and leave behind stubborn stains – like coffee, red wine and blueberries.
Poor oral hygiene: If you’re not on top of your oral hygiene routine, then plaque build-up can leave stains.
Aging: When we age, the enamel (outer layer) of our teeth becomes thinner and doesn’t protect us from stains as well.
Medications: Certain medications can be harsh on your teeth and leave behind yellowing and stains.

What is a Smile Makeover or Full Mouth Reconstruction?

Using a combination of restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatment options, Adams Dental Group can combine multiple services to help you achieve your smile goals by restoring the functionality, health, and look of your smile with a smile makeover! If you’ve suffered from tooth damage, decay, or loss, full mouth reconstruction may be a wonderful option for you to smile with confidence again, and often includes a combination of:

Porcelain Veneers
Dental Implants
SureSmile Clear Aligners
Professional Teeth Whitening

Learn more about the Cosmetic Dentistry Options Available at GPS Dental in San Antonio.

Achieve Your Smile Goals at GPS Dental

Whether you’re looking to enhance, straighten or whiten your pearly whites, Dr. Skrobanek and his expert team of smile professionals can help you smile with confidence and achieve your smile goals. Schedule your smile consultation at our office in the San Antonio, TX area and let’s discuss your smile makeover. What do YOU want? How would YOU like to see your smile? We will customize a treatment plan and make this the year you remember with a SMILE!

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.

Confident Smile: Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments can Restore Your Smile

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on September 13, 2022

New goals aren’t always focused on career … sometimes, they’re focused inward. Sometimes, personal goals give us a unique opportunity to update and revamp our confidence, health, and self image. That’s why so many people are interested in smile makeovers to rejuvenate their smile, their self-confidence, and their oral health.

Your smile is such a big part of you, and effects your confidence each and every day. That’s why we offer multiple cosmetic and restorative solutions that may be matched to your personal smile goals. Let’s talk about creating a smile that makes you feel good and you’re proud to show off!

Before you come see us, think about what you’d like to fix about your smile, such as:

Recessed gums
Crooked teeth
Dental decay
Low gum line
Gapped teeth
Worn edges
Gum disease
Teeth stains
Missing tooth
Small teeth
Chips or cracks
Broken teeth

Learn more about our Cosmetic Dentistry services HERE.

A Confident Smile

A confident smile is important. A smile is much more than just straight, white teeth. When you feel confident in your smile, you feel confident in yourself and are prone to show off your smile frequently. The benefits of smiling and laughing are numerous.

According to an article from the University of West Alabama, “Research shows that those who consciously or subconsciously smile more live better and longer. Your body releases three hormones that make you feel good when you smile. They include dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. These signal to your body that you’re happy, and in turn, you feel happier.”

Can Dentistry Enhance My Smile?

Absolutely!! Dr. Skrobanek offers cosmetic and restorative dentistry options that can enhance your smile in a way that is naturally beautiful. Some of the cosmetic treatments he offers can:

Fix chipped teeth: If you’re worried about your chipped teeth, dental bonding may be a great option for improving your smile. We use versatile and resilient tooth-colored composite materials that create a strong structure to feel like your original tooth.
Recontouring and reshaping: Tooth recontouring or reshaping provides instant results for cracked, chipped, or sometimes crooked teeth. We can slightly alter the shape, length, or position of the teeth.
Professional teeth whitening: One of the best and easiest things you can do for your smile is to reverse the signs of age, smoking, and even medications by brightening your smile with a professional teeth whitening procedure.
Restore your smile with dental implant: Dental implants are permanently anchored into the gum to replace a missing tooth or several missing teeth. Gone are the days of dentures being the only option to fill the gap in your smile.
Enhance your smile with porcelain veneers. Veneers can conceal a wide variety of issues – from cracked teeth, gaps, crooked teeth, discolored teeth, and short or misshapen teeth. Veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are custom-crafted to improve the appearance of your teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Now, let’s dive into a little more information about the actual process of these treatment options. We’ve listed below a few of the natural-looking cosmetic dentistry procedures that Dr. Gary Skrobanek and his expert team at GPS Dental in San Antonio, TX offer:

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic Bonding is a process where Dr. Skrobanek attaches or “bonds” materials directly to your tooth in order to change the color and shape and used most often to repair chipped teeth. The natural tooth enamel is then fused together with bonding materials such as porcelain and resins to create a strong structure that still feels like your original tooth.

Enamel Shaping (Contouring)

One of the few instant cosmetic dentistry treatments is tooth reshaping, or contouring. This procedure can correct chipped or cracked teeth, crooked teeth, even overlapping teeth during one appointment. Under certain circumstances, dental contouring can be a substitute for braces and is used to slightly alter the shape, length or position of your teeth.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Brushing and flossing are everyday ways to keep your teeth bright, white and healthy. If you still feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle or is more yellow than it used to be, you’re not alone. We offer several in-office teeth whitening options, just ask Dr. Skrobanek which option is best for you. (Read more, Brighten Your Smile with Whitening Trays)

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. They are an option for correcting stained, chipped, decayed or crooked teeth. A small amount of your existing tooth structure is removed to accommodate for the very thin, yet strong porcelain veneer. (Read more about Smile Makeovers using Porcelain Veneers, Are You Ready for a New Smile?)

Dental Implants

Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to an injury, periodontal disease, or some other reason. Dental implants are connected to the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Expert dentists, like Dr. Skrobanek, who specialize in implants have the training, experience, special knowledge, and technology to help you have teeth that look and feel just like your own after your implant is finished. (Read more in this Dental Implant FAQ)

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures can Enhance Your Smile
Dental Veneers: Uses, Procedures, and More from WebMD

Schedule Your Smile Consultation Today

We can also combine our services to create a full smile makeover! If you’re concerned about discolored, missing, chipped, misaligned, decayed, or cracked teeth, come talk to us to see what your best solution is for a healthy, beautiful smile. We can help you create a smile you can be proud of.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Availalble at GPS Dental

If you want to improve and rejuvenate your smile or have questions about cosmetic or restorative dentistry procedures, we’d love to answer them. Just give us a call and schedule your consultation!

Tooth Replacement: Are You a Dental Implant Candidate?

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on August 9, 2022

Are you a candidate for Dental Implants?

It’s exciting to know that dental implants are an incredibly popular and effective way to replace a missing tooth. If you’re missing a tooth, know that you’re certainly not alone. Did you know, it is estimated that over 125 million Americans are missing at least one tooth?

Dental implants can resolve your missing tooth issue and fill any gaps from a missing tooth or multiple teeth – restoring the look, feel, and health of your smile. However, dental implants may not be the perfect solution for everyone, so how do you know if it’s the perfect solution for you? Let’s continue to see if you’re a dental implant candidate, shall we?

Learn more from WebMD about Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants and Their Advantages?

Made from titanium, dental implants are essentially replacement tooth roots. They are placed in the jaw to support replacement tooth – often dental crowns, dentures, or bridges. Implants are also the only option that can prevent bone loss because those titanium roots act like natural tooth roots and promote new bone growth.

Related Article: Dental Implant Guide

They also,

Restore facial structure and youthful smile
Prevent teeth from shifting toward any gaps, which can alter your bite or facial structure
Feel and function just like your natural teeth
Provide no eating restrictions

The Dental Implant Procedure is one of the most predictable and safest procedures in dentistry. They’re very durable and can last a lifetime, if they are taken care of correctly. Gone are the days of looking older than necessary because of a sagging jawline due to one or more missing teeth. Fortunately, dentures are no longer the only option! And the cost for dental implants may be far less than you expect.

Learn more from The Mayo Clinic about Dental Implant Surgery

Are You a Good Dental Implant Candidate?

Here are five quick signs of a good dental implant candidate:

Teeth and gums are in good standing health
Good oral health hygiene habits
Patience for the process, it can take some time to be fully completed
Good bone density
A non-smoker or willing to stop smoking

These are common signs that your dentist will look for when considering if you’re a good dental implant candidate. Sometimes, your dentist may also look at why the teeth are missing.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Skrobanek, our implant expert at GPS Dental in San Antonio to see if you are a candidate for implant technology. It might be the perfect remedy to preserve a youthful appearance and restore the function of your bite.

Customized Restorative Dentistry that is Best for YOU

If you are interested in tooth replacement, it’s a good idea to discuss it carefully with Dr. Skrobanek first. If you are in good general health and meet other criteria, you may be a good dental implant candidate. Scheduling a consultation at GPS Dental is your first step to see if dental implants would be a good fit for you.

Believe it or not, your health is more of a factor than your age. Remember, using tobacco can also slow healing, regardless of which type of treatment you decide on. Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or leukemia, may interfere with healing and patients with these issues may not be good candidates for this type of tooth replacement option.

By scheduling a consultation with Dr. Skrobanek you’ll learn if you’re a dental implant candidate. If not, he can help suggest a tooth replacement option that is a better fit for you; dentures bridges and implants may be a better remedy to restore the function of your bite and your smile’s appearance.

Restore Your Smile with Tooth Replacement Options at GPS Dental

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on March 22, 2022

At GPS Dental, we want to make sure our patients always have strong and healthy smiles. It’s so important to our daily lives that we can smile, eat, and talk with confidence.

If you’re missing teeth, those daily tasks can become a challenge; however, we can help you restore your smile. While keeping your natural teeth is always the number one option, sometimes replacement options are needed to restore and maintain a healthy smile. We can help you decide which of our tooth replacement options, implants, dentures, or implant-supported dentures, is best for you and your smile goals.

Related Articles:

Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants

Dental implants can fix multiple teeth, a single tooth, or a full set of teeth – so the options are plenty, making dental implants a popular option for replacement. Implants require three major steps to consider and can take a series of visits to our office to fully complete the process:

Surgical implant placement
Healing from the surgical placement of the implant(s)/temporary teeth placement
Replacement of any missing teeth with crowns

While the process may sound extensive, the benefits of dental implants are many.

Benefits of Dental Implants:

Look and act like natural teeth
Durable, long-lasting
Feel strong and stable
Help preserve bone tissue and bone
Allow you to brush and floss normally

Learn More about Dental Implants HERE.

Restore Your Smile with Dentures

There are two major types of dentures:

partial dentures
complete removable dentures

The keyword being “removable“.

Unlike dental implants and implant-supported dentures, traditional partial or complete dentures are removable, not permanently implanted into your mouth. Dentures can be a quick, non-invasive, and more affordable fix to missing teeth.

If you’re experiencing tooth loss from gum disease, injury, or tooth decay, dentures can help your appearance and smile and also restore your ability to speak and eat.

Learn More about Dentures HERE.

Restore Your Smile with Implant-Supported Dentures

While implant-supported dentures are similar to traditional dentures, the difference lies in the use of implants for retention instead of adhesive. The implant can reduce the bulkiness of traditional dentures and give more space for the tongue.

This means that the ability to taste food with dentures will be greatly enhanced. They’re also sturdier and there’s no need for any adhesive at any time because the dentures are so well supported by the implants. This helps preserve bone, tissue, and muscle tone in the face as well to maintain a more youthful appearance.

Learn More about Implant Supported Dentures HERE.

GPS Dental Can Restore Your Smile and Your Confidence

If you’re not sure which tooth replacement option is best to restore your smile: dental implants, dentures, or implant-supported dentures, schedule your Smile Consultation appointment with Dr. Skrobanek and his expert team in San Antonio, Texas. There is not a one size fits all treatment plan when it comes to tooth replacement, after a thorough exam and a discussion about your smile goals, we will create a customized treatment plan for your individual needs to restore your smile and your confidence.

Tooth Replacement Option: Dental Implants Can Restore Your Smile

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on February 23, 2021

Missing teeth are more than just an aesthetic problem that affects the look of your smile. Missing teeth also have a major affect on your oral health. Although there are a number of ways you can enhance your smile, dental implants are a product of great progress in the dental industry! In a nutshell, dental implants are a tooth replacement option that can replace missing teeth, restore damaged teeth, and improve your oral health.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?

There are many advantages to dental implants as a tooth replacement option, including:

Improved appearance. Because they are designed to fuse with bone, dental implants become permanent and they look and feel like your own teeth.
Improved speech. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip. Unlike when wearing poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words.
Improved comfort. Dental implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures, because they become part of you,.
Easier eating. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain. Unlike sliding dentures that can make chewing difficult.
Improved self-esteem. Dental implants help you feel better about yourself and can give you back your smile.
Improved oral health. Dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
Durability. With proper care, implants are very durable and will last many years; many implants last a lifetime.
Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.

A Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth

Dental implants are an extremely natural-looking replacement for real teeth. It can fill in any gaps where missing teeth are and restore the look, feel and function of your smile. Dental implants are also strong and long lasting. Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants integrate into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth’s root. The top four benefits of dental implants include:

The look and feel of natural teeth.
Dental implants last a lifetime.
They protect your facial bones and oral health.
They also restore your smile and your confidence!

This creates a more permanent solution to fix missing teeth. With dental implants, you’ll be able to chew, bite, and smile with confidence. However, this process does take time and doesn’t happen in one appointment.

Learn why it’s done and how HERE.

Related Articles:

What Can I Expect During a Dental Implant Procedure?

Now that we know the numerous benefits of dental implants, it’s important to also know how dental implant procedures work, and what you should expect. You’ll need to allow time for healing in between each step of the process, but the end results will be wonderful and worth it. Healing time also depends on how many dental implants you will be needing. During the steps, you will be given an appropriate form of anesthesia, so you don’t feel any pain or discomfort.

Learn more about the procedure HERE.

A damaged tooth is removed correctly.
Sometimes the jawbone will be strengthened with a bone graft.
Titanium screws will then be placed into the jawbone and gum tissue.
Your tissue and jawbone will bond with the implant and heal, beginning to form more tissue around the implant.
Abutments are then placed.
Crowns are placed to serve as your new, artificial teeth.
You can now enjoy your restored smile and improved oral health!

At GPS Dental, we’re experts on dental implants. If you have any questions, or want to schedule an appointment, give us a call today.

Tooth Replacement Options at GPS Dental: Dentures & Dental Implants

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on September 15, 2020

It’s easy to take our natural teeth for granted. We’re born with them, and we get used to their form and function. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, by age 17, 7 percent of people in the United States have lost at least one permanent tooth because of decay. So, what happens when you lose a natural tooth? At GPS Dental, we offer two wonderful solutions to missing teeth; dental implants and dentures. Both options will restore the health and look of your smile!

Gum disease, tooth decay, injury, or a genetic condition can all cause a missing tooth. Regardless of the cause, dentures and dental implants can replace a lost tooth or multiple teeth. Learn more HERE.

Missing Tooth Replacement Options

According to The American Dental Association (ADA), missing teeth can have a great impact on your speech and function of your teeth and the surrounding teeth. Depending on the location of a lost tooth, chewing can become more difficult, and the look of your smile may be affected negatively. Let’s dive into the two most common tooth replacement options, both offered by Dr. Skrobanek at GPS Dental in San Antonio, TX.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are an extremely common and effective tooth replacement option for a missing tooth. They also feel and look like a natural tooth and don’t require any extra tooth maintenance besides your daily oral health routine. Think of dental implants as artificial tooth roots. Here’s how they work:

First, your dentist will need to assess the area where the tooth is missing. Impressions of your teeth and a CT scan may be necessary to scan the area and simulate the implant on a computer before the actual procedure. If your jawbone cannot support the artificial root, your dentist may add in a bone-like material before your dental implant can take place.
After everything is prepped and ready, your dentist will then place a titanium screw in your jaw. This screw is your root replacement. A cap is placed over the screw. Your jawbone will naturally grow around the screw and anchor it. The area will heal within the next several weeks.
Finally, your dentist will check to make sure the implant is secure and remove the screw cap. The screw cap will be replaced by a post. A dental crown will be cemented onto the post and your dental implant is complete.

Learn more from WebMD about Dental Implants HERE.

Dentures

Dentures are a wonderful option for a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Complete dentures will replace all of your teeth, and partial dentures can replace some of your teeth. A partial denture will be removable and is often an inexpensive option.

Natural-looking teeth will be fitted to a pink base that looks like your gums.
Your natural teeth stabilize and hold the removable plastic base in place, although some dentures have a clasp that adjoins to natural teeth.

Want to know more about Partial Dentures? Click HERE.

Dentures and Dental Implants: Which is Best for YOU?

Dr. Skrobanek and his team of experts will help guide you through the tooth replacement process, beginning with a consultation. Whether you are a candidate for dentures or dental implants, Dr. Skrobanek will explain your options and customize a treatment plan, based on your needs. Please call to schedule your consultation at GPS Dental and begin your journey to a healthy, beautiful smile.

Dental Implant: 5 Facts About this Tooth Replacement Option

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on June 23, 2020

A dental implant can do wonders for your smile, especially if you are self-conscious about any missing teeth.

Dental Implant: Overview

Simply put, a dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed into your jaw to hold an implant (replacement tooth or bridge). The implant will match the surrounding teeth and blend into your smile seamlessly.

Read more HERE about Dental Implant Procedure Information.

Dental Implant: The Facts

If you’re curious about dental implants as a tooth replacement option, these 5 facts will help you understand more about this procedure, including a bit of history you’ve probably never heard before.

Ancient Implants. Dental implants as we know them today were first invented back in 1952 by Swedish orthopedic surgeon, Per-Ingvar Branemark. However, historians have been able to trace dental implants all the way back to 600 AD. Ancient Mayans would hammer shells into their mouths as replacement teeth. Clearly, these ancient dental implants are nothing like the implants we are familiar with now – thank goodness!! Check out our previous blog, The Evolution of Dental Implants as Tooth Replacements. Today, in fact, dental implants are one of the most common and safest procedures in dentistry. It’s a dentistry marvel!
Tooth Loss is Very Common. According to the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation, over 240 million people in the world have experienced tooth loss. By 35, most adults will lose at least one permanent tooth. This means that it is common to need a tooth replacement and to have a dental implant procedure.
Restorative Treatment. A common misconception about dental implants is that they’re similar to crowns. However, this is incorrect. Dental implants are restorative treatments and can actually help stimulate bone growth. Dental implants are actually artificial roots. They are placed inside the jawbone, are shaped like a hardware screw and have a success rate of 95%. Check out our blog, What Are Your Tooth Replacement Options, for more information.
AAID Formation. Dental implants are the main reason the AAID, American Academy of Implant Dentistry was formed. In 1951, there was a group of dentists who were very successful with the outcome of their implant techniques. So, they formed the AAID to help spread their knowledge of implant technology and advancement.
Care Required. Once a dental implant is performed, the risk of getting a cavity in that tooth is gone, but care is still required. Daily brushing and flossing are so important for dental implants and can help the dental implant last a lifetime.

Learn More HERE About Dental Implant Surgery.

Related Resource from WebMD: A Guide to Dental Implants

GPS Dental Can Help

As you can see, a dental implant can do wonders for your smile, especially if you are self-conscious about a missing tooth. If you’re curious about whether a dental implant is a tooth replacement option for you, please give us a call – we’d love to discuss dental implants with you.