San Antonio Implant Dentistry

Missing teeth can cause a lack of self-esteem. Smile big and bright when you come to Preferred Dental Center and ask about your options! Whether it's implant dentures, full or partial dentures, several implants, or more, we’ll take care of you.

Dr. Andres Biaggi is skilled with the sometimes complex procedures that are dental implants. Implants are used to replace teeth that have been lost due to disease, injury, or simply aging. We’ll first evaluate the overall health and structure of your mouth to ensure you’re a candidate. From there, we’ll discuss your options with you! Whatever treatment you choose, trust you’ll be comfortable and well taken care of.

We also offer zygomatic dental implants to atrophic jaws. If you have severe bone loss, this latest technology may increase your candidacy for implants.

What Are Zygomatic Implants Exactly?

Zygomatic implants are an alternative to more traditional implants which involve drilling directly into the jawbone. Instead of doing this, the Zygomatic implants are much longer then these traditional implants. They are anchored in the upper jawbone, which is close to the dense zygoma bone. This difference in location means that Zygomatic implants can provide a secure foundation for your dental implants while traditional dental implants may not be possible. The Zygomatic implants are seen as better in some ways then the more traditional methods. For example, Zygomatic implants do not require bone grafts, which can take up to half a year to heal, delaying the eventual dental implants you need. Zygomatic implants allow people who would ordinarily have to go through a great deal of surgery get their implants sooner. From restoring smiles to improving chewing and speaking, having a full mouth worth of teeth is something each and everyone of use deserve. If you are thinking of dental implants but think you are not a candidate because of a lack of supporting bone, then you should consider Zygomatic implants.

How Long Will Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants become fixed into the jawbone. Though the life span of a dental implant varies from patient to patient, many have lasted for over 30 years. With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, dental implants can last a lifetime.

What are the advantages of a single-tooth implant over a bridge?

A dental implant provides several advantages over other tooth replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning like a natural tooth, a dental implant replaces a single tooth without sacrificing the health of neighboring teeth. The other common treatment for the loss of a single tooth, a tooth-supported fixed bridge, requires that adjacent teeth be ground down to support the cemented bridge.

Because a dental implant will replace your tooth root, the bone is better preserved. With a bridge, some of the bone that previously surrounded the tooth begins to resorb (deteriorate). Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact.

In the long term, a single implant can be more esthetic and easier to keep clean than a bridge. Gums can recede around a bridge, leaving a visible defect when the metal base or collar of the bridge becomes exposed. Resorbed bone beneath the bridge can lead to an unattractive smile. And, the cement holding the bridge in place can wash out, allowing bacteria to decay the teeth that anchor the bridge.

Replacing All of Your Teeth

If you are missing all of your teeth, an implant-supported full bridge or full denture can replace them. Dental implants will replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the roots.

What are the advantages of implant-supported full bridges and implant-supported dentures over conventional dentures?

Dental implants provide several advantages over other teeth replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, implant-supported full bridges or dentures are designed to be long lasting. Implant-supported full bridges and dentures also are more comfortable and stable than conventional dentures, allowing you to retain a more natural biting and chewing capacity.

In addition, because implant-supported full bridges and dentures will replace some of your tooth roots, your bone is better preserved. With conventional dentures, the bone that previously surrounded the tooth roots begins to resorb (deteriorate). Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact.