Missing teeth don’t have to mean months of waiting. At Denture Implants San Antonio practice, we offer immediate load dental implants – a breakthrough treatment that gives you new teeth the same day your implants are placed.
What Makes Immediate Load Different?
With traditional dental implants, you’re playing the long game. We’re talking three to six months of waiting around while your jaw and the implant become besties. In the meantime, you might be stuck with some weird gap or a wobbly temporary denture that never really feels right, does it?. Immediate load implants change this completely.
With same-day implants, we place your implants and attach temporary teeth in one appointment. You walk out with a complete smile that works right away. No waiting period, no months without teeth, no social embarrassment.
This isn’t just convenient – it’s better for your health. When you lose teeth, your jawbone starts shrinking immediately. Immediate load implants stimulate the bone from day one, preventing this bone loss and keeping your face looking full and youthful.
The Procedure
01
We start with detailed 3D scans of your mouth. This lets us plan exactly where each implant goes and pre-make your temporary teeth. On surgery day, we remove any problem teeth, place your implants with computer precision, and attach your new teeth – all in about 2-4 hours.
02
Most patients are surprised how comfortable the process is. We use local anesthesia, and many people return to work the next day. You can eat soft foods immediately and speak normally right away.
03
Over the next few months, your implants fuse with your jawbone. Once this healing is complete, we replace your temporary teeth with permanent ones made from the strongest materials available.
Who Can Get Same-Day Implants?
Not everyone qualifies for immediate loading. You need enough healthy jawbone to support the implants right away. We also look for patients who don’t smoke (smoking dramatically increases failure rates) and who maintain good oral hygiene.
People with uncontrolled diabetes, active gum disease, or certain medical conditions may need traditional implants instead. Heavy teeth grinders might also be better candidates for the conventional approach.
During your consultation, we’ll take X-rays and examine your mouth to determine if you’re a good candidate. About 60% of our implant patients qualify for immediate loading.
Recovery and Care
Recovery is usually easier than patients expect. Now, don’t freak out about the pain. You’ll puff up like a chipmunk for a couple days—maybe three if you’re unlucky—but grab some Tylenol and an ice pack and you’ll survive. Oh, and we’ll hand you a list of foods to dodge for the first few weeks. (Hint: skip jawbreakers and caramel. Your teeth aren’t superheroes yet.)
The temporary teeth? They’re pretty decent. You’ll eat normal-ish food, talk without sounding like you’ve got a mouthful of marbles, and you won’t have to hide your smile in photos. Just, y’know, don’t go chomping on anything insane. They’re temps for a reason.
We’ll see you every so often while your mouth gets used to its new hardware—quick check-ins, nothing wild. After three to six months, once everything’s solid, boom: you get your forever teeth. And honestly? They look awesome.
Cost and Value
Now, about the money part. Yeah, immediate implants hit your wallet harder up front. But most people say it’s worth every cent. I mean, think about it—no toothless grins, less time off work, and you get to flash a real smile from day one. Honestly, can you even put a price on not looking like a pirate for half a year? I don’t think so.
When you factor in the reduced number of appointments and the immediate quality of life improvements, many patients actually save money overall. We offer financing options to make treatment affordable.
Why Choose Our San Antonio Practice?
We’ve been placing immediate load implants for over a decade. Our team uses the latest technology, including 3D imaging and computer-guided surgery, to ensure precise placement and predictable results.
Every case is different, and we take time to understand your specific needs and goals. We’ll never recommend immediate loading if we don’t think it’s your best option – sometimes traditional implants really are the better choice.
Immediate Load Dental Implants Frequently Asked Questions
How long do immediate load implants actually last?
With proper care, they last just as long as traditional implants – often 20+ years or even a lifetime. The key is good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
What if an implant fails?
Failure rates are low (about 5%), but if it happens, we’ll remove the failed implant and can usually place a new one after healing. Most failures occur in the first few months.
How much pain should I expect?
Honestly? Not that bad. Most people say it’s like a 3 or 4 out of 10. Way less gnarly than getting a tooth yanked, if you’ve ever had that pleasure. Usually, Tylenol or Advil does the trick. You’re not gonna be laid up in bed moaning or anything.
Can I smoke after getting immediate load implants?
Smoking dramatically increases your risk of implant failure – we’re talking 3-4 times higher failure rates. We strongly recommend quitting before treatment.
Will I be able to eat normally right away?
You can eat most foods immediately, but we recommend avoiding very hard items like nuts or ice for the first few weeks. Most patients are eating normally within a month.
Can I get immediate load implants if I have diabetes?
Depends. If your diabetes is under control, you’re probably good to go—loads of folks with managed diabetes get implants just fine. But if your blood sugar’s all over the place? Not ideal. That bumps up your risk for stuff like infection and slow healing. Definitely gotta loop in your doctor and maybe do a little homework first.
What happens if I grind my teeth?
Teeth grinding can damage implants and crowns. We’ll likely recommend a nightguard to protect your investment. Some heavy grinders do better with traditional implants.
How do I clean immediate load implants?
Just like natural teeth – brush twice daily and floss. You might need special floss or interdental brushes around the implants. We’ll show you the best techniques.
Ready to explore whether same-day implants are right for you?
Call our office to schedule a consultation. We’ll examine your mouth, discuss your options, and create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and budget.
