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In addition to helping to maintain your long-term oral health, dental implants in San Antonio can be used to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are the best option for tooth replacement because they closely resemble the appearance and functionality of a natural tooth. If you're planning on getting this dental device this new year, dentists can help outline the steps of the dental implant process and estimate how long it will take.  

Information You Need Before Getting Dental Implants  

How Do Dental Implants Function?  

Your dentist can perform oral surgery to place a dental implant; the operation entails several steps. An implant consists of two parts, each of which needs to be surgically removed:  

• A titanium rod that resembles a screw is implanted into the jawbone and serves as the tooth's root.  

• An abutment is a component that screws into the dental implant and serves as the foundation for the future attachment of the false tooth.  
• A tooth replacement, such as a crown or bridge, is connected to the abutment after the dental implant has been inserted into your jawbone.  

How Will Dental Implants Benefit Me?  

Your dentist will thoroughly check your teeth and gums, including a thorough medical history review. After a thorough evaluation, your dentist can decide if dental implants are the best choice for you. A strong jawbone and gum tissue must support the implants before being installed in your mouth. You also must be in good health and have a healthy, fully-grown jawbone to profit from dental implants.  

How Are Dental Implants Placed?  

Depending on the type of implant you're having and the condition of your jawbone, dental implant surgery may be carried out in several stages. Step-by-step instructions and rough deadlines for each are provided below.  

• Prepare the Jawbone for Surgery

You may require extra bone to be inserted into the implant location to give it a sturdier foundation, depending on the structure of your jawbone. Before the implant is inserted, the bone grafting procedure needs to heal. Being patient during the healing process is crucial because the implant won't take without a strong jawbone in place.  

• Place the Implant

Gum tissue is placed over the implant after surgically inserted within the jawbone. After the implant has been placed, the jawbone must have time to heal firmly around the implant region and become a part of the natural gumline. To speed up the healing process, it's crucial to adhere to the post-operative instructions.  

• Place the Abutment

The abutment—the component that screws into the implant—will be inserted in your jaw after the affected area has healed. The oral surgeon will reopen your gums to expose the dental implant before placing the abutment. The abutment is connected to the implant once it has been exposed. The gum tissue is then reattached to the abutment and left for one to two weeks to recover.  

• Add the Dental Crown  

More impressions of your mouth will be taken when your gums have healed so that the dental implant crown, or prosthetic tooth, may be created. The entire implant will be finished when your personalized crown is fastened to the abutment.  

Are You Interested in Getting Dental Implants in San Antonio?  

At La Cantera Dental, our dentist can help assess your oral health and determine if dental implants are the right solution for your missing teeth. Give us a call to learn more about our services!