Your 2025 Guide On How To Replace Teeth With Dental Implants

Many people search for how to replace teeth because missing teeth affect eating, speech, and confidence. This guide walks through common options, with a focus on dental implants — why they’re chosen for stability, natural looks, and bone preservation — and gives clear next steps so you can decide what’s best for you.

Common ways to replace missing teeth

There are three main approaches:

• Removable dentures — replace many teeth at once, are less costly up front, but can slip, need regular adjustments, and don’t stop jawbone loss.

• Fixed bridges — cemented to neighboring teeth for single or few teeth; look natural but require altering healthy teeth and don’t replace the root.

• Dental implants — replace the tooth root and crown, offering the most stable, long-term solution and preserving bone. For many people, implants are the best long-term choice despite higher initial cost.

What dental implants are and why they work

Dental implants have three parts: the titanium implant (root) placed in bone, an abutment that connects, and a crown or prosthesis that looks like a tooth. Because the implant fuses with bone (osseointegration), it acts like a natural root to keep the jawbone strong and restore full chewing function.

Step-by-step: how to replace teeth with dental implants

If you’re in San Antonio wondering how to replace teeth in San Antonio, here’s the typical process.

Consultation & planning

Evaluation includes exam, X-rays or 3D imaging, and medical history. Your dentist creates a plan for a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full-arch restoration and discusses timing, costs, and sedation options.

Surgical placement

The implant is placed in a short surgical visit. Local anesthesia and optional sedation (nitrous oxide or IV sedation) keep you comfortable. For some, immediate temporary teeth are possible.

Healing and osseointegration

Bone typically fuses to the implant over weeks to months. You may wear a temporary restoration while healing. Follow-up visits check progress and oral hygiene.

Final restoration

Once healed, the abutment and final crown or full-arch prosthesis (All-on-4/All-on-6) are attached. Patients notice improved bite, clearer speech, and a natural look and feel.

Who is a good candidate?

Good candidates are generally healthy, have adequate bone or can receive grafting, and have healthy gums. Smoking, unmanaged diabetes, or bruxism may affect success. Your dentist will review options and any needed preparatory care.

Costs, financing, and insurance basics

Costs vary by number of implants, need for bone grafts, and type of prosthesis. Full-arch solutions cost more than single implants but can be more durable. Many practices offer financing plans; dental insurance may cover part of the crown or consult fees but rarely pays full implant cost.

Risks, aftercare, and expected longevity

Risks include infection, implant failure, and nerve or sinus issues—these are uncommon with proper planning. Care is like natural teeth: brush, floss, and routine dental visits. With good care, implants can last decades.

About The Smile Institute SA and Dr. Luis Galvan

The Smile Institute SA in San Antonio offers implant expertise with an on-site lab, All-on-4 and All-on-6 options, and IV sedation for comfort. Dr. Luis Galvan has extensive implant and cosmetic training, long clinical experience, and affiliations with implant organizations to support predictable results.

Next steps and clear call to action

To learn the best way to replace teeth for your situation, schedule a consultation to review images, costs, and a personalized plan. If you’re exploring how to replace teeth in San Antonio, The Smile Institute SA offers financing and sedation to make treatment easier. Call the office or request an appointment online to get started.