Dental Implants in San Antonio TX

Implant dentistry is the gold standard for teeth replacement, providing patients with functional, natural-looking replacement teeth that can last a lifetime.

Implants are surgical fixtures placed in the jawbone to replace the roots of a missing tooth or teeth. Over three to six months, the implant fuses with the surrounding jawbone to provide a stable foundation for a replacement tooth or teeth. The implants are made of titanium or zirconia, a biocompatible material used for joint replacements due to their strength and durability. Various implant dentistry options are available to replace a missing tooth or teeth, including single implants and the revolutionary Teeth in a Day procedure.

Types of Dental Implants available in San Antonio

Orbis offers three dental implant options depending on your needs and oral health.

Single Tooth Dental Implant

Patients with a single missing tooth can receive a single tooth implant placed in the empty socket of the lost or extracted tooth. Once the implant has fused sufficiently with the surrounding bone, a crown is attached to the implant using a small, custom fastener called an abutment. The crown replaces the visible portion of the missing tooth.

Implant-Supported Bridge Implant

An implant-supported bridge can replace several missing teeth without having to place an individual implant for each replacement tooth. Although the configuration can vary, the most common implant-supported bridge uses two implants to support a dental prosthetic replacing three adjacent missing teeth. The implants are at either end, supporting three connected replacement teeth.

Implant-Supported Denture

For individuals missing all their upper or lower teeth, implant-supported dentures are available that are either fixed (permanently attached to the implants) or removable (similar to a traditional denture that has to be removed each night and for cleaning).

Orbis Dental Group offers both fixed and removable dentures to our patients based on their preferences and the condition of their jawbone, including:

Ball Attachment Dentures – Two implants support a denture that snaps onto the implants. The denture snaps off for cleaning and when you are sleeping. This type of implant dentistry gives the denture more stability, although there may be minor movement. Less surgery is needed, and patients lacking sufficient bone mass for other forms of implants can benefit from ball attachment dentures.

Bar Attachment Dentures – Between four and six implants are placed in the jawbone to support a denture that attaches to a custom-designed support bar. Clips attach the denture to the support bar held in place by implants. This form of “overdenture” is extremely stable but is still removable for cleaning and maintenance.

Screw Retained or Fixed Denture – Patients looking for an alternative to dentures that do not require special care often prefer a permanent denture. The denture has space underneath to allow cleaning. Once it is attached to the dental implants, it is not removable except by a dentist for occasional maintenance.

Teeth-in-a-Day – Patients can now have all of their upper or lower teeth replaced with a permanent denture in a single day. The prosthetic is attached to between four and six implants without having to return for additional procedures. Patients who have teeth extracted often prefer teeth-in-a-day, as it minimizes the need for bone grafting due to bone loss.

An appointment with  Dr. Lee can help you decide which option is best for your oral health, comfort, and aesthetic goals.

Cost of Implant Dentistry

Implant dentistry is both a science and an art tailored to each patient’s circumstances, dental health, functional needs, and aesthetic goals. The number of teeth replaced and the type of dental implants chosen also affect the final cost. To get an accurate estimate for dental implants, a consultation with an implant specialist at Orbis Dental Group is essential.

Does Insurance cover Implant Dentistry?

It depends on your insurance. Most dental insurances consider implants an elective procedure, but more are realizing that implants are healthier than other options for replacing missing teeth. If you have questions regarding financing options or insurance, our office step is available to assist you. Implant dentistry restores a patient’s ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and enjoy life to the fullest with a vibrant smile. Simply call our office at Orbis Dental Group Phone Number (210) 496-1919 or use our online form to schedule an appointment. We look forward to explaining the process in more detail at your initial consultation.