Missing teeth can impact everything from how you eat and speak to how confident you feel. At Complete Dental Studio, Dr. Botros, Dr. Vo, and Dr. Alghadban are here to support your smile goals every step of the way. When it comes to dental implants, Dr. Alghadban is our expert provider, offering patients a long-lasting, natural-looking solution to tooth loss. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, we’ll help you understand the care and longevity of dental implants so you can make the best choice for your smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, usually made of titanium, that are surgically placed into your jawbone. Over time, they fuse with your bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable base for crowns, bridges, or dentures. The same process applies to amputees who may receive a surgically implanted artificial limb.
Once healing is complete on the implant, a custom-made crown or denture is attached, providing you with a functional and natural-looking replacement for your missing teeth.
All-on-4 Implants: A Life-Changing Solution
If you’re missing all your upper or lower teeth, All-on-4 implants may be the right solution. Dr. Alghadban can use this technique to replace an entire arch of teeth using just four strategically placed implant posts—a true dental innovation.
Benefits of All-on-4 Implants:
- Shorter treatment time: Fewer posts mean a quicker recovery.
- Same-day smile: Temporary dentures can be placed immediately after surgery.
- Firm stability: The posts are embedded into the jawbone for a secure fit.
- Bone preservation: Stimulates the jawbone to help maintain facial structure.
- Easy maintenance: Brush and floss like you would with natural teeth.
The Advantages of Choosing Dental Implants
Modern dental implants offer a range of advantages that go beyond just filling gaps in your smile. If you’re deciding between implants and other restorative methods, it’s important to know what sets this procedure apart.
- Exceptional Strength: Implants are anchored directly into your jawbone, which makes them incredibly strong and stable. This strength allows for totally normal chewing and biting, so you can enjoy all of your favorite foods.
- Natural Appearance: Each implant is topped with a custom-designed crown that mimics the shape, size, and shade of your natural teeth. The result is a restoration that blends in seamlessly with your smile.
- Unmatched Comfort: Because implants actually become part of your bone structure, they don’t slip, shift, or create sore spots like a removable appliance. This provides a secure, natural feel with zero adhesive needed.
- Oral Health Benefits: Implants stimulate the jawbone to prevent bone loss and help neighboring teeth stay properly aligned. This improves overall oral health and facial structure.
- Improved Digestion: It’s not uncommon for people with missing teeth to suffer from digestive issues. Being able to chew more thoroughly helps your body break down and absorb nutrients more effectively.
- No Special Maintenance: Brush and floss your implant just like your natural teeth—no extra steps required like with dentures.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
When properly cared for, dental implants can last for decades, often a lifetime. Several factors will impact their longevity, including:
- Oral hygiene habits: Daily brushing and flossing help keep the gum tissue and bone around the implant healthy.
- Lifestyle choices: Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes can reduce the success rate of dental implants.
- Regular check-ups: Routine visits to Complete Dental Studio help Dr. Alghadban monitor your implant and overall oral health.
With consistent care, studies show that dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. To look after your implants, be diligent about maintaining these habits:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss daily using dental floss or an interdental brush.
- Use a non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Avoid smoking, which can impact bone healing and increase infection risk.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
What To Expect From Your Procedure
The dental implant process usually involves several steps, with each one carefully planned to support long-term success and comfort:
- Initial Consultation & Diagnostic Evaluation: During your first visit at Complete Dental Studio, Dr. Alghadban will perform a thorough examination, including digital X-rays or 3D scans, to assess your oral health and jawbone condition. If necessary, he’ll discuss any preparatory treatments like bone grafting.
- Treatment Planning: Using your scans, we’ll create a fully customized treatment plan tailored to your needs, including the number and placement of implants and the type of restoration (crown, bridge, or denture).
- Implant Surgery: The titanium implant post is surgically placed into your jawbone. Thanks to advanced imaging and sedation options, the procedure is comfortable and precise. Most patients report minimal discomfort afterward.
- Healing & Osseointegration: Over the next 3–9 months, the implant fuses to your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a durable foundation that mimics your natural tooth root.
- Abutment Placement: Once the implant is fully integrated, a small connector called an abutment is attached. This will support your crown, bridge, or denture.
- Final Restoration: Your custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is affixed to the abutment, restoring full function and appearance to your smile. You’re all done!
A Total Transformation with Dental Implants
We understand that making major changes to your smile, like getting dental implants, can feel overwhelming. At our Boerne office, Dr. Botros, Dr. Vo, and Dr. Alghadban are all here to support you every step of the way. If you’re considering dental implants, you’ll be in expert hands with Dr. Alghadban, who performs all implant procedures with precision and care.
Ready to love your smile again? Contact us by phone or book your appointment online today.
