Tag Archives: tooth replacement

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.

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.

Dental Implant Guide: Tooth Replacement Option of 2022

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on January 11, 2022

Your Dental Implant Guide in 2022

Humans have been creating new methods for replacing missing teeth since ancient civilizations. We’ve come a long way from swapping missing teeth with bits of bones and shells. In today’s age, dental implants are an extremely reliable and advanced method for replacing missing teeth. If you’ve considered restoring your full smile with dental implants, then this is the year to move forward! With such a high success rate, dental implants are becoming the first and most popular choice among patients and dentists alike. Let’s talk about why that is.

What are Dental Implants?

To break it down in our dental implant guide, dental implants are devices consisting of small posts made of titanium. These posts are substitutes for 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. So, three parts come together to create on naturally-looking, strong tooth.

Learn more about Dental Implants from The ADA HERE.

Advantages of Dental Implants

There is a lot to learn about dental implants – the process, how they’re maintained, advantages, healing time, etc. It’s important to make an informed decision if you’re considering dental implants in the near future. Here are some of the many advantages to take note of:

Dental implants fully restore a smile, replace any missing teeth
Dental implants can last 20 years or more
Supports facial structure
Look like your natural teeth
Easy to keep clean, less work than dentures
Not prone to cavities
Boost confidence
Benefits your oral health and overall health
More secure than dentures
Comfortable bite
Restore full function of the mouth

Candidates for Dental Implants

Now that you’ve learned about the many advantages dental implants can provide in our dental implant guide, you may be wondering if anyone can get them. For many patients, dental implants are the best option for smile reconstruction. To be considered a good candidate, you’ll need to have good overall health and a reasonably healthy mouth. You will need to have a jawbone that is strong enough to support the implants, and gums should be free of gum disease.

Keep reading to learn about the types of implants and associated risks. We also describe what to expect from dental implant surgery and how much the procedure may cost. What else to know.

The Process

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. 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 (also known as a dental crown) 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 crown) and your process is complete.

Learn more in this Dental Implant Guide

We’ve written a lot of articles on our blog about Dental Implants … here are just a few for you to check out:

GPS Dental Can Restore Your Smile and Your Confidence

After reading our dental implant guide, if you’re not sure which option, dental implant bridge or dentures to restore your missing tooth or missing teeth will be, schedule your Smile Consultation appointment with Dr. Skrobanek and his expert team in San Antonio, Texas. We treat each of our patients individually. We offer options for dental implants, bridge, or dentures … 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.

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.

Missing Tooth: Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on December 29, 2020

Are you missing more than one tooth? You may be a great candidate for dental implants! Dental implants can fill in the gaps of missing teeth, can fully restore the look and feel of your smile, and are a great way to replace teeth. Missing teeth can do more than affect the look of your smile, but cause chewing disruptions and other oral health problems. Come visit us today to talk about dental implants!

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 tooth replacement options HERE.

Learn More about Dental Implants from WebMD HERE.

5 Signs You’re a Candidate for Dental Implants

Most people are great candidates for dental implants. There’s an estimated 125 million Americans that are missing one or more teeth, and if you’re one of them, it’s good to know if you’re eligible for a dental implant. Here are 5 signs of a good candidate.

You have good oral hygiene.
Your teeth and gums are in a good health condition.
Your jaw has good bone density for the implants.
You’re willing to stop smoking, or are a non-smoker.
You have patience for the dental implant process, as it can sometimes take a bit of time to fully complete.

Most People are Good Candidates

Your dentist will first need to determine why you’re missing teeth. Your dentist will check the gums and the health of your mouth as well. Bone health will also be checked. If you have a strong jaw, then the implant will be supported well once it’s installed. Dental implants can be used in place of bridges or dentures and can replace just one tooth, or several teeth and have many advantages, such as:

The look and feel of natural teeth.
Durability.
High success rate.
Improve overall oral health.
Improves look of the jawline and protects facial bones.

The Dental Implant Process

During dental implant surgery, a titanium post is placed into the socket of the missing tooth. The implant will heal and infuse with the bone and anchor to your jaw, making it secure. Then, once the post is bonded, a new component will be inserted and a crown will be placed to act as your new tooth.

Learn More about Dental Implants and the surgery HERE.

People at Risk

If you suffer from cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, alcoholism, or extreme gum disease, then you may not be a good candidate for a dental implant. These things can cause major risk factors for dental implants. However, dental implants are a case-by-case basis. Even if you’re suffering with a disease, you may still be able to get dental implants. We will work with your doctor to assess your situation and determine your candidacy.

Learn More about Dental Implants HERE.

GPS Dental Can Restore Your Smile

To find out if you’re a dental implant candidate, call 210-633-3477 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Skrobanek. Our goal, at GPS Dental, is to make sure our patients have a healthy and beautiful smile and to achieve that result, it is important that our team partners with each patient. We look forward to helping you get the smile you deserve.

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.

FAQ: Dental Implants as a Tooth Replacement Option

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on July 9, 2019

For some people, dentures or bridges are not comfortable or viable options to repair or replace a damaged tooth. Perhaps you suffer from sore spots, poor ridges, or dentures trigger your gag reflex. Dental implants as a tooth replacement option might be a great solution.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are metal posts or frames surgically implanted into your jawbone under your gums. As the implant bonds with your natural bone, it becomes a strong mount for replacement teeth that feels more natural than dentures or bridges.

There are two common types of dental implants, endosteal and subperiosteal implants.

Endosteal implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Once the bone and surrounding gums heal, a post is inserted into the implant and the artificial tooth is attached to the post. If multiple teeth are being replaced the artificial teeth might be grouped on a bridge or denture.

A subperiosteal implant is made with a metal frame fitted over the jawbone just under the gums. As the gums heal they root the metal frame to the jawbone. Posts attached to the frame stick out from the gums and the dentist mounts the artificial tooth to the protruding post.

Advantages of dental implants

The primary benefit of dental implants as a tooth replacement option is that they feel more natural than dentures or bridges. They look, feel, and function like normal, healthy teeth and you can brush and floss normally. You won’t have to worry about any slipping or clicking when you speak or eat.

Dental implants can last for decades if properly maintained. Many dentures and bridges, on the other hand, must be replaced every 5 to 10 years, driving up the price and time cost.

They also preserve natural bone and actually can stimulate bone growth. Dentures can cause bone and gum deterioration over time, especially if they fit poorly. Leaving empty spaces between teeth can cause other dental issues down the line. Dental implants also don’t require any grinding down or drilling into adjacent teeth like bridges and partial implants typically demand.

What to expect from dental implants?

The process of receiving dental implants as a tooth replacement option lasts anywhere from three to nine months depending on the extent of work required. It begins with a consultation meeting with your dentist to develop a plan of action. At your next appointment the dentist will place the implant in your jawbone.

Most patients only require local anesthesia during the procedure, though IV sedation may be used to keep you comfortable depending on the extent of the procedure. After the surgery you can expect swelling, bruising, minor bleeding, and pain but most people can manage the pain with over-the-counter pain medications. Many people feel well enough to return to work the next day.

Osseointegration is the process of the implant fusing with your jawbone. This healing process takes up to a few months but results in a strong bond. You will probably be limited to a diet of soft foods for the first few weeks to make sure the implant does not move during the initial healing process. Sometimes the dentist places temporary teeth while your mouth heals.

After osseointegration is complete, the abutement (a small connector) is attached to the implant just above the gum line. Sometimes the abutement is placed at the same time the implant is set in the bone.

The last stage is to make and set the new teeth. Using molds of your mouth and remaining teeth, your dentist will create artificial teeth to attach to the abutement. You will be able to care for the artificial teeth the same way you care for your natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and routine check-ups.

How much do dental implants cost?

There are many factors that impact the total cost of dental implants as a tooth replacement option. Some of the main considerations are how many teeth require replacement, the type of artificial teeth that will be implanted, the health and quality of the jawbone, and other considerations.

A single tooth implant may cost between $3,000 and $4,500. A full or partial set of implants can cost as much as $45,000. These high up-front costs are staggering, but not necessarily higher than dentures or bridges over the lifetime of the implants.

An increasing number of dental insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of dental implants. Those insurance plans that do not cover implants may offer an allowance toward dental implants equal to the cost of a bridge or traditional dentures. You should also consult with your dentist about financing and payment options.

Dental Implants as Tooth Replacement

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on December 18, 2018

dental-implants

Dental implants are becoming a primary choice for individuals with missing teeth. They provide a lasting solution due to their robust nature. It is implanted into the jaw bone, does not shift and remains in place sturdily. They offer a very natural appeal as they closely resemble natural teeth, with a metal post that remains concealed in the jaw.

This form of tooth replacement can last forever, especially if proper oral hygiene is implemented. Dental implants are very resilient and resistant to tooth decay. However, if neighboring natural teeth and gums are not cared for, plaque can stick to these teeth and cause deterioration. Overall though, dental implants are an ideal permanent solution for people suffering from the effects of missing teeth.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

After an X-ray and evaluation have been performed, and your eligibility has been determined, the process will begin. There are various stages involved. During the initial phase, a titanium post will be inserted into the jawbone. Time will be given for surrounding gum tissue to heal and for the implant to attach and bond with the bone and gum. Once healed, an abutment is attached to hold the artificial tooth in place. It may take a few appointments for the artificial tooth to be created and secured to the abutment. However, once connected, security and stability is not an issue.

Implants Offer the Same Comfort and Function as Natural Teeth

For individuals with missing teeth, the concern is finding a solution that enables them to function normally. Choosing a tooth replacement option that is durable, limits concerns and offers comfort is necessary. For this reason, dental implants are very popular.

They offer the same appearance as natural teeth, due to its permanency and inability to move and shift, which are typical causes of discomfort and worry for persons with dentures. Dental implants as tooth replacement are very comfortable and allow individuals to eat, chew, and speak without apprehension.

Unlike other solutions such as dentures, which have food restrictions, dental implants do not. Patients with this form of tooth replacement can eat sticky substances or whatever they prefer with confidence, as the appearance and structure of their implant will not be compromised.

Stability, Comfort, Support & Lifetime Results

The advantage to dental implants as tooth replacement is that they limit bone loss as a result of being installed into the jaw. They remain in place and limit the impacts of shifting teeth. Hence, any adverse effects on adjacent teeth are negligible. Existing oral structures and teeth will remain strong and unmoved.

Dental implants as tooth replacement offer lifetime results. Unlike other tooth replacement options, like bridges and dentures, that require replacement after several years, dental implants rarely have to be replaced, unless severely impacted and damaged. As a result, dental implants make an excellent choice to fill in the gaps created by missing teeth.

GPS Dental Offers High-Quality Dental Implants

GPS Dental believes in helping individuals restore their smile. If you are struggling with missing teeth and wish to regain your smile, we encourage you to contact our office. Our professionals will respond to your inquiries and provide you with further information on dental implants as tooth replacement.

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.

Tooth Replacement: What Are the Options?

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on March 13, 2017

Close your eyes and imagine, what would you do if you had a big event to attend, like your best friend’s wedding, and you broke your tooth… what would you do?

You certainly can’t attend with a huge gap in your teeth.

You need a tooth replacement; here are some options you may want to consider.

Why Teeth are replaced:

It’s no secret that your teeth are tough, but did you know that your teeth are in fact harder than any bone in your entire body! While this may come as a surprise to some, when you think about it this certainly does make a great deal of sense as your teeth have the extremely important task of breaking down your food for consumption. However even as tough as your teeth are, there are many factors such as hard foods, acidic substances, or simply neglect and old age, that can potentially damage or destroy your teeth; even an accident. Therefore tooth replacement is necessary if damage or decay occurs, and this can be accomplished several different ways to meet one’s particular needs.

What Tooth Replacement Options are Available?

There are three primary tooth replacement options available when having one or more teeth replaced, each of these options are designed to accommodate different circumstances surrounding the patient’s need for one or several replacements, and each option presents their own advantages and disadvantages.

Option 1: Removable Partial

Often considered the most economical of the tooth replacement options, the removable partial denture or RPD, is as its name implies a removable row of porcelain dentures that can be used both as functional teeth and to serve aesthetic purposes. While the RPD is a popular tooth replacement option due to it being least expensive of the options, and for being the most accommodating for older individuals who may need several teeth replaced. It does present certain drawbacks as well. Over the years there have been quite a few instances of RPD’s getting lost or going missing, particularly among elderly patients or folks on vacation, leading some to seek a more permanent solution.

Option 2: Fixed Bridge

A bridge or sometimes called fixed partial denture is much like the removable partial, a row of artificial porcelain teeth. However, the differences between an RPD and a bridge is not only the fact that the bridge is fixed (or non-removable) but also that the dental bridge provides greater comfort while chewing, requires less cleaning, and is as convincing as actual teeth. Although more expensive than the RPD, the bridge is in many ways more effective and requires little time to be created.

Option 3: Dental Implant

The third and perhaps most coveted tooth replacement option is the dental implant. Unlike the two previous options, a dental implant is more like an actual tooth that that has been specifically created to replace your old one. This ceramic, custom made tooth is strategically placed onto the jawbone of the patient, so that the bone and gums can grow around it over time, thus becoming the permanent replacement for the missing tooth. Although dental implants are more expensive than the previously mentioned tooth replacement options, they require the least amount of maintenance and attention as the others, in addition to providing authentic feel as a natural tooth.

Remember, although your teeth are tough, and can last a lifetime depending on the circumstances. If time has taken its toll on your teeth, there are several tooth replacement options available to keep you smiling.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek and his experienced, friendly team at GPS Dental offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the San Antonio, TX area. Our 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.