Dental Implants
It’s no fun when you’re missing teeth. You may not feel comfortable eating or speaking. You might even avoid smiling in public. Fortunately, dental implants can help. Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all the teeth in your mouth. Best of all, they look and feel like natural teeth.
Implants Can Help
If you want a dental restoration that looks and feels as though it’s really part of your mouth, dental implants may be right for you. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root. Your jawbone fuses with the implant to provide a secure platform for a prosthesis(artificial tooth). If you are missing many teeth, several implants can be used to support a partial or complete denture.
Your Dental Evaluation
To learn whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, you will have a dental evaluation. The evaluation includes a dental exam, a dental and medical history, and imaging tests. As part of the exam, the health and structure of your mouth are studied. This helps the dental team understand where to place the implants.

Osseointegration occurs when bone fuses with the implant. This provides a solid base for the prosthesis.
The Right Prosthesis For You
A dental prosthesis is secured to one or more implants. It can be made of one or many artificial teeth. The prosthesis you have will depend on your dental needs. If you’re replacing a complete set of teeth, you may be able to choose between a removable or fixed prosthesis.

A single prosthesis is used to replace a tooth that has been lost.

A partial prosthesis is used as an alternative to a bridge.
Types of Complete Prostheses
There are two types of complete denture prostheses: removable and fixed. Both can be used to replace a complete set of teeth. Removable means you’ll be able to take it out of your mouth. Fixed means it can only be taken out by a dentist.

Removable Prosthesis
With a removable prosthesis, the new teeth are joined to the implants by a connecting device, such as a clip and bar. This allows you to take the prosthesis out for cleaning. For support, this type often uses four to six implants per jaw.

Fixed Prosthesis
With a fixed prosthesis, the new teeth are fitted to a frame that is secured to the implants. Five or more implants are placed along the contour of the jaw. In some cases, a fixed prosthesis offers more stability for chewing.
Oak Hills Periodontics, Dr. Pamela Ray, and Dr. Díaz are periodontists in the Oak Hills community of San Antonio, Texas. We strive to provide the best dental care in San Antonio.
Our doctors and staff frequently attend continuing education seminars to learn the latest dental techniques. Our dental services include treatment for Periodontal Disease, Dental Implants, Crown Lengthening, Gum Plastic Surgery, and more. Contact us today!
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