dental implants San AntonioDental implants have greatly improved the way that dental professionals address the many negative effects of tooth loss. These durable and long-lasting prosthetics replace the missing structure of an entire tooth with biocompatible materials. While implants are ideal for many people, they are not suitable for children. The reason dental implants are not suitable for children is because tooth loss among adolescents is a natural occurrence and a biological process. Moreover, children’s jawbones and palates are still growing and developing. Placing dental implants into the jawbone can disrupt both the process of tooth transition and a child’s oral development.

Who should receive dental implants?

Dental implants are reserved for adults who have lost teeth to injury or disease or for those who have congenitally missing teeth. Adults receiving implants will need to commit to living a healthy lifestyle that includes proper and adequate oral hygiene as well as adequate bone mass to support the titanium implant, which is embedded into the jaw by a dentist or oral surgeon.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants are unlike any other prosthetic. They are rooted into the jawbone to replace the missing roots of teeth. This allows implants to support different types of prosthetics like dental crowns, bridges, and dentures. The jawbone will generate new tissue that literally fuses to the implant’s titanium structure. This process holds the implant firmly in place for decades or up to a lifetime. Once the bone has stabilized a dental implant, patients will receive their custom crown or bridge. Sometimes, a series of implants are used to support and hold a denture. Custom prosthetics will fill in the visible structure of teeth so that patients can enjoy a natural looking smile and comfortable oral function.

What should I do if I’m interested in dental implants?

If you have a missing tooth or a failing tooth, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our dentist to see if you are a candidate for dental implants. At your appointment, we will perform an examination to evaluate the health of your bones, gums, and biological teeth and answer any questions or concerns you have.

Contact our office today to book an appointment with our caring team!