Dental Implants

Dental implants can replace permanent teeth lost to trauma, extractions, or gum disease. At R&J Dental, a restorative dental clinic in San Antonio, Texas, general and family dentist Habib Rahemtulla, DDS, and his team specialize in placing and restoring dental implants. Patients can receive pre- and post-operative care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Call the office today to schedule a dental implant consultation, or book your appointment online.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small metal screws inserted into your empty tooth sockets. After placement, they fuse with your bone, providing an artificial root for crowns, bridges, or implant-anchored dentures.

Thanks to advances in treatment, dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to removable dentures.

Can anyone missing teeth get dental implants?

Most people with missing teeth qualify for dental implants, but there are prerequisites. For example, to get implants, you need to have healthy gums and enough bone to support the titanium posts. 

If you have gum disease or bone loss, Dr. Rahemtulla treats those problems first. Then, he can place your implants afterward.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants offer various benefits, including:

• Durability
• Confidence
• Easier biting and chewing
• Improved oral health
• Clearer speech

Dental implants are convenient. Unlike traditional dentures, you can brush and floss them like your natural teeth. What’s more, you don’t have to soak them overnight or hold them in place with sticky denture adhesives.

What does getting dental implants involve?

Getting dental implants takes multiple visits over several months.

Dental implant placement

Dr. Rahemtulla places your dental implants during an outpatient procedure. The screws take several months to fuse with your jaw and/or alveolar bone (which anchors your upper teeth). During that time, get plenty of rest, take your medications, and follow the diet Dr. Rahemtulla prescribes.

Dental implant restoration

You return to R&J Dental after your mouth finishes healing. 

Dr. Rahemtulla takes digital impressions with an intraoral camera and sends them to a nearby dental lab. The lab uses your impressions to create custom dental crowns, dental bridges, or implant-retained dentures.

Once your implant restorations are finished, you visit Dr. Rahemtulla for the last time. He numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic and attaches the restorations to your dental implants. Then, Dr. Rehamtulla polishes your teeth and explains how to keep the restorations in optimal condition.

How do I care for my dental implants?

Stay on top of your oral hygiene to keep your dental implants in good condition. Dr. Rahemtulla and the team recommend brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and avoiding bad habits like smoking and drinking alcohol. 

Dental implants rarely cause problems, but if you have symptoms like jaw pain or sensitivity when biting and chewing, contact Dr. Rahemtulla immediately.

Call R&J Dental today to request a dental implant appointment, or book your visit online.