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The Benefits of Dental Implants

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Missing teeth can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, and they can also lead to serious oral health issues. Fortunately, your dentist in San Antonio can offer several solutions to restore missing teeth, with dental implants being one of the most popular and effective.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone. They are made of titanium, a biocompatible material that naturally fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a sturdy and stable foundation for a replacement tooth or teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

  • Long-lasting: Unlike other dental restoration solutions such as bridges or dentures, dental implants are designed to last for many years with proper care. In fact, they can last a lifetime!
  • Natural-looking: Dental implants are custom-made to match the color and shape of your existing teeth, so they blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
  • Improved oral health: Dental implants don’t require any modifications to surrounding teeth, as with bridges. They also stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that can occur with missing teeth.
  • Enhanced function: Dental implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
  • Convenient: Unlike dentures, which require special cleaning and maintenance, dental implants can be cared for just like your natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing.

Procedure for Dental Implants

The dental implant procedure typically involves several steps, but it’s worth it. First, a comprehensive exam and imaging are done to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. If so, the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. After a healing period of several months, a post is attached to the implant and an abutment is attached to the post. Finally, a custom-made replacement tooth or teeth are attached to the abutment.

Cost of Dental Implants

The cost of dental implants varies depending on several factors, including the number of implants needed, any preparatory procedures, and the type of replacement teeth chosen. Your dentist in San Antonio can provide you with a personalized quote based on your individual needs and budget.

Dental implants are an excellent solution for restoring missing teeth and improving oral health. They offer a variety of benefits, including natural-looking results, improved function, and long-lasting durability. If you are interested in dental implants or have any questions about the procedure, contact your dentist in San Antonio. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile!

How To Take Care of Your Dental Implants

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how to take care of dental implants san antonio texasSome people believe that because a dental implant cannot get cavities or decay, they don’t need to clean it as thoroughly as they would natural teeth. This isn’t the case! The existence of healthy gum tissue and supporting bone is critical to the success of dental implants, and clean gums are healthy gums.

Specific techniques and efforts are required to keep your implant(s) clean and free of harmful bacteria and plaque, which can cause peri-implantitis, to ensure their longevity. (Peri-implantitis is a destructive inflammatory condition affecting the soft and hard tissues surrounding the implant, which can result in implant loss.)

Despite the cleaning issues that some types of prostheses pose, implants are a highly effective medical operation. Preventing peri-implant disease is critical for long-term implant health and function. The way you look after your implant(s) is crucial to their success.

Single Tooth Implants (home care is the same as natural teeth):

  • Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean your teeth at least twice a day
  • Use a toothpaste that isn’t too abrasive
  • Brush under the implant crown and around it
  • Clean hard-to-reach areas with a nylon-coated interdental brush
  • Floss with unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss on a daily basis
  • Use an oral irrigator that has been recommended (Water-Pik).
  • Ask your Prosthodontist about a retainer or night guard if you clench or grind your teeth at night.
  • Unless your Prosthodontist recommends more frequent cleanings, see your dental hygienist twice a year

Overdentures With Implants (Removable):

  • After each meal, remove the denture, rinse thoroughly, and gently brush the underside with a denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner/toothpaste
  • Brush around your implants with a toothbrush while the denture is out to remove any debris and prevent plaque buildup
  • Before putting the overdenture in your mouth, thoroughly rinse it with water
  • If your Prosthodontist recommends soaking your dentures daily, clean them as directed above, then soak them for the recommended time in a specific cleaner. (Some of them must be soaked overnight, while others do not.) Inquire with your dentist about the best treatment option for you.)
  • Inspect any o-rings, locator caps, and clips for wear or missing parts and notify your dentist
  • Consult your dentist about replacing O-rings and locator caps once a year to keep them in good working order, as they deteriorate over time.

According to your dentist’s recommendations, schedule routine checkups. Depending on a variety of factors, this can range from 3 to 12 months. Again, seek advice from your dentist to determine what is best for you.

Fixed Bridges with Full Arches or Fixed Bridges with All Four Arches

The design of this type of prosthesis is one of the reasons it can be difficult for some patients to keep clean. It is critical that the prosthesis be constructed with cleanability in mind, with the underside finished in a convex design so that it can be easily cleaned without trapping food debris and plaque underneath.

Brush Your Teeth With a Soft-Bristle Toothbrush At Least Twice a Day

At least twice a day, use a Water Pik. Look for angles and access points that will allow the most food debris to be dislodged. If non-keratinized tissue attachment to the implants is present, use a medium or low setting because a high setting may irritate or separate it from the implants.

  • Floss under the bridge at least once a day. Oral B’s Super Floss is excellent, but you can also use a floss threader and regular floss
  • Clean the part of the prosthesis that touches your gums with a sulcus brush
  • Use Listerine or another disinfectant mouthwash on a daily basis

What’s Not Recommended?

Instruments made of plastic or metal that look like those used by dentists. Metal instruments have been shown to scratch the implant surface, allowing bacteria to colonize and cause damage, while plastic instruments have been shown to embed residues onto the implant surface. These surfaces must remain scratch-free and maintain their integrity in order to last a lifetime. For more information, call or message us right now for about our dental implants in San Antonio, Texas.

Dental Issues that Affect Seniors

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senior teeth care san antonioSeniors’ dental troubles are nothing new. Seniors’ teeth generally deteriorate as they become older, resulting in poor oral health. Here are some of the most frequent dental issues that affect elders.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a primary cause of cavities in seniors, according to the American Dental Association. Dry mouth is a side effect of over 500 drugs, as well as certain health disorders like diabetes, stroke, yeast infection (thrush) in the mouth, cancer therapy, Alzheimer’s disease, or autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome or HIV/AIDS. Dry mouth can also be caused by snoring or breathing through your mouth.

The quantity and amount of medications we take often rises as we become older. As a result, many elderly suffer from dry mouth. One of the reasons your dentist inquires about any medications you’re taking is because of this. We can recommend dry mouth remedies and treatments to assist relieve irritation and lower the risk of cavities. The following procedures are frequently recommended by dentists:

  • Increase your water intake
  • Switch to a drug that doesn’t induce dry mouth
  • To encourage saliva production, use a moisturizing mouthwash and chew sugar-free gum
  • Make use of a humidifier
  • Lips should be moisturized
  • Consider getting a fluoride treatment
  • Coffee and alcohol should be avoided
  • Tobacco should be avoided at all costs
  • Antihistamines and decongestants sold over the counter should be avoided
  • Sugary foods and candies should be avoided
  • Mouthwashes containing alcohol should be avoided

Decay and Loss of Teeth

When it comes to cavities, just because you have a few gray hairs doesn’t mean you’re safe. Tooth decay among persons over 65 has now surpassed that of schoolchildren. In older adults, the most prevalent location for dental cavities is around the base of the tooth, along or beneath the gum line. Seniors who suffer from dry mouth are particularly vulnerable to this condition.

So, even if you’ve been fortunate enough to avoid dental decay for the majority of your life, no matter how clean your mouth is, you’re still at danger of tooth decay becoming an issue. Your dental hygiene cleaning appointments may be recommended to be more frequent than they have ever been. This allows us to keep a close check on things and correct any cavities that form while they’re still little, before they cause enough damage to necessitate expensive treatment or extraction.

Disease of The Gums

Gum disease, commonly known as periodontal disease, is a prevalent dental issue in people over 60. It’s caused by a bacteria present in plaque that irritates the gums, causing them to swell, redden, and bleed. Gum disease is unusual in that the early stages are quite painless. As a result, it is frequently neglected and mistreated.

Gum disease is best treated when identified early, so seeing your dentist on a regular basis in your senior years is just as vital as it was when you were younger.

Cancer of The Teeth

Most individuals are unaware that mouth cancer is significantly more common than they think. Oral cancer is identified in approximately 54,000 cases per year, according to the American Cancer Society. Adults over the age of 60 account for the vast majority of these cases.

Oral cancer screenings are frequently included in dental visits. Oral cancer, like gum disease, is usually painless in its early stages, making it simple to miss. Early detection, on the other hand, can save your life, thus it’s critical to see your dentist at every stage of life.

Other Dental Conditions

Other typical dental issues among the elderly include:

  • Teeth discoloration
  • Root degradation and reduced sense of taste
  • Stomatitis caused by dentures
  • Jaw bone that is uneven
  • Loss of teeth

To learn more about our dental implants and cosmetic dentistry services in San Antonio, Texas, contact My Smile Artist today.

Are You Too Old To Get Dental Implants?

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Too Old For Dental ImplantsIf you’re getting on in years, you might be wondering if you’re too old for dental implants. You may be wondering if dental implants perform equally as well for older patients as they do for younger people, or if there is a difference in success rates based on age. You’ll be relieved to learn that dental implants work just as well in older individuals as they do in younger folks! For the replacement of missing teeth, dental implants are the gold standard.

Someone nowadays are living longer and healthier lives, and it is not uncommon for people to live to be 85, 90, or even 100 years old. Many older persons have lost their teeth over time due to decay, gum disease, or failed restorations, resulting in dentures or partials, which cause more bone and tooth loss. Many people have worn dentures for years and are dissatisfied with them due to their numerous flaws.

You probably enjoy spending more time socializing, eating delicious food, and spending time with family and friends as you get older, especially if you’ve retired. Without the humiliation and difficulties that comes with wearing dentures, this is a lot more fun.

Dental Implants Improve The Quality of Life For Anyone

After all, life quality is really crucial. Dental implants can improve the quality of life for older people by allowing them to eat better, get better nutrition, stay more social, and live active and healthy lives. As a result, there is no such thing as an old age for dental implants. A generally healthy person with even a few years of life expectancy can benefit from dental implants in a safe and predictable manner, thereby increasing their quality of life.

We consider the following aspects while evaluating patients for dental implants:

  • Oral health is linked to overall health
  • Medications for bone health

Call or send us a message today to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about how dental implants can help you at our San Antonio dental clinic.

If I Have Dental Implants, Do I Still Need Regular Cleanings?

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Clean Dental Implants San Antonio TexasDental implants are extremely long-lasting, with a 98 percent success rate and the potential to last a lifetime if properly cared for. People who have only one or a few implants should have their cleanings and checkups every six months for obvious reasons: they still have natural teeth, so that goes without saying.

However, some patients assume that because they have dental implants, they don’t need to see their dentist and hygienist for routine cleanings and checkups. “Why do I need to see a dentist if I have false teeth that don’t decay?” they reason. That’s a good question.

Brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and, of course, frequent dental check-ups are all required for dental implants. Even if you only have dental implants and no natural teeth, regular cleanings and check-ups are still necessary. If you have dental implants, your hygienist will simply use a modified cleaning routine and particular devices to thoroughly clean them.

Instead of looking for cavities, they’ll inspect your gums for evidence of gum disease, as well as any signs or symptoms of peri-implantitis, which is an infection of dental implants. (*a pathological condition characterized by inflammation in the peri-implant connective tissue and progressive loss of supporting bone in the tissues surrounding dental implants.) Maintaining the health of your teeth, including dental implants, necessitates routine maintenance and skilled cleaning.

How Often Will You Be Required To Visit Our Dental Clinic?

We see our implant patients twice a year on average. Occasionally, even more frequently. The regimen differs differently from one patient to the next, based on a number of elements unique to each circumstance. Our dentist will suggest a schedule based on your specific needs.

What If You Have An Implant Prosthesis That Can Be Removed? (such as an implant overdenture)

Even if you brush your prostheses every day and keep them looking spotless, you should still see your dentist every six months for exams and professional cleanings to ensure the health of your implants. We can assist you in properly cleaning your dentures and removing deeper stains and tartar from your prosthesis as needed. We’ll also be able to keep an eye on any clips, snaps, or attachments that need to be replaced on a regular basis. This keeps things in check and makes them more useful. We also take x-rays on a regular basis to ensure that the implants and supporting bone are in good working order.

Call or message us today at My Smile Artist in San Antonio, Texas, if you are missing any teeth, seeking alternatives to dentures, or simply want to learn more about dental implants.

Are You a Dental Implant Candidate?

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Dental Implants San Antonio Texas

Do you have one or more missing teeth? Dental implants are by far the most effective option to replace a missing tooth, with a success rate of 97 percent. Anyone who is in good enough health to have a tooth extracted is likely a good candidate for dental implants. However, there are some contraindications to implant treatment that can make it more difficult or impossible.

Patients with chronic disorders, heavy smoking, or alcohol misuse may not be suitable candidates for implants. After a thorough physical examination and review of your medical history, your doctor will assess whether or not this treatment is appropriate for you in San Antonio, Texas.

Are Your Gums And Bones In Good Shape?

When determining whether or not someone is a candidate, we look for healthy gums and bone. Are your gums in good shape? Do you practice decent dental hygiene? Do you clean and floss your teeth twice a day? Are you in good enough health to have a tooth extracted? If you can answer yes to all of these questions, you may be a good candidate for dental implants.

Dental implants are by far the greatest technique to replace teeth, whether you’re missing one tooth, multiple teeth, or all of them. They have the same appearance, feel, and function as real teeth.

Who Is Regarded To Be An “At Risk” Patient?

Hemophelia, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, and autoimmune illnesses are some of the health issues that may prevent you from being a candidate for implants. Because they all impair your body’s ability to heal, they can increase the failure rate. However, don’t write yourself off just yet if you fall into this category. We’ll go through your medical history in detail and evaluate if you’re a good candidate for surgery in our San Antonio office.

Do You Have a Good Oral Hygiene Routine?

Despite the fact that the majority of people are ideal candidates, dental health is a significant factor in achieving a positive outcome. Someone who satisfies the following criteria is an excellent candidate:

  • Gums that are healthy
  • Sufficient bone to support the implants

What Is Oral Health Important For Dental Implants?

Having good dental health is vital since implant failure is more likely if your jaw isn’t healthy enough for the implants to merge with the bone. Your implants may be jeopardized if you have periodontal disease or have experienced substantial bone loss as a result of gum disease or missing teeth. Especially if the bone loss pattern continues and the gums aren’t kept in good shape. Call or message us today for more information.