Permanent Tooth Replacement at Bulverde North Family Dental
Eat what you want. Smile without thinking about it. Stop worrying about your teeth shifting, your denture slipping, or the gap that’s been bothering you for years. That’s what dental implants give back to our patients at Bulverde North Family Dental — and Dr. Greg Frei has been delivering those results for families across the Bulverde Spring Branch, Canyon Lake, and Timberwood Park communities for over 25 years.
Implants aren’t just a replacement for missing teeth. They’re a permanent restoration anchored directly into your jawbone — designed to look, feel, and function exactly like or even better than the teeth you lost. And unlike traditional dentures or bridges, they’re built to last a lifetime.
Whether you need a single implant, an implant-supported bridge, or a full-arch denture solution like All-on-4, you’ll get a personalized treatment plan and honest guidance.
Your implant consultation includes a 3D scan of your jaw, a one-on-one evaluation with Dr. Frei, a clear treatment plan, and a cost breakdown with insurance and financing options — so you leave knowing exactly where you stand.
Dental Implant Options We Offer
Single Tooth Implants
When you’re missing a single tooth, an implant replaces it without affecting the healthy teeth on either side. A titanium post acts as an artificial root, and a custom porcelain crown is attached on top. The result is a standalone replacement that fills the gap, helps preserve your jawbone, and maintains surrounding teeth while blending seamlessly with your natural smile. Single implants are the most common type we place at our office.
Implant-Supported Bridges
If you’re missing two or more adjacent teeth, an implant-supported bridge eliminates the need to grind down healthy neighboring teeth (which a traditional bridge requires). Two implant posts support a bridge of connected crowns, replacing the full gap. This approach preserves your natural tooth structure while restoring both function and appearance.
Implant-Supported Dentures & Full Arch Replacements
If you’re missing most or all teeth in an arch — or you’re tired of dealing with traditional dentures — implant-supported restorations can give you a permanent, stable smile. Instead of relying on adhesives or suction, multiple implants anchor your new teeth directly to your jawbone.
The result is a dramatic upgrade from traditional dentures — no slipping, no sore spots, and the ability to eat and speak with complete confidence again. During your consultation, Dr. Frei will evaluate your jaw and recommend the approach that fits your situation.
How Dr. Frei Places Your Dental Implant — Step by Step
Step 1: Consultation and 3D Imaging
Everything starts with a conversation and a scan. Dr. Frei will examine your mouth, review your dental and medical history, and take 3D images of your jaw that show bone density, nerve pathways, and the exact anatomy he’ll be working with. This imaging lets him plan the precise angle, depth, and position of your implant before anything begins — no guesswork, no surprises. You’ll walk out with a clear picture of your options, a treatment plan built around your specific case, and the information you need to make a confident decision.
Step 2: Implant Placement
The implant post — a small titanium screw — is placed into your jawbone during a comfortable outpatient procedure. We offer sedation options for patients who experience dental anxiety. Dr. Frei and his team never rush — they talk you through every step so you always know what’s happening and feel in control. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the process is. Many describe it as less uncomfortable than having a tooth pulled. You’ll have a temporary restoration so you’re never without teeth during the healing period.
Step 3: Healing and Osseointegration
Over the next three to six months, the titanium post fuses with your jawbone through a natural process called osseointegration. This is what makes implants so stable and long-lasting — the post literally becomes part of your jaw. During this time, you’ll return to normal activities within a day or two. Most patients manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication.
Step 4: Your Custom Restoration
Once healing is complete, we attach a custom-crafted porcelain crown (or bridge, or full-arch prosthetic) to your implant. The restoration is designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. When it’s in place, nobody — including you — will be able to tell it’s not a natural tooth.
Ready to explore your options?
Everything starts with a conversation and a proper exam. Let’s talk about restoring your smile, your health, and your happiness. Schedule your dental implant consultation with top-rated local dentist Dr. Greg Frei.
Call us today to get started (830) 438-2273
Frequently Asked Questions on Dental Implants
When you lose a tooth, it can be a traumatic experience. In the aftermath, you may have functional difficulties with eating and maintaining oral hygiene, and you may suffer from a lack of confidence when you smile. There are several treatment options to consider, including partial dentures, bridgework, or simply living with a missing tooth.
People choose dental implants because they are the most effective and natural looking option to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants are permanent and durable, and they restore both the function of your bite and the appearance of your smile.
Dental implants are permanent, artificial teeth. A dental implant consists of a crown, or a custom replacement tooth, attached to a titanium post implanted in the jaw to act in place of the root and stabilize the artificial tooth.
Unlike dentures, they do not need to be removed for cleaning, and unlike bridges, they are not cemented to surrounding teeth. Dental implants provide the closest approximation of natural teeth in both function and appearance.
In order to be a good candidate for dental implants, your mouth must be healthy and free of infection and your jaw must be strong enough to support the implant. You may need to undergo preliminary procedures in preparation for a dental implant, depending on the cause of tooth loss.
When you are ready, a titanium post will be implanted in your jaw, where it will fuse with the bone. A custom crown will be created to replace the lost tooth and fit seamlessly with your natural teeth. When the implant heals, or fully bonds with the jaw, a connector will be attached to the post and the crown will be permanently affixed atop it.
With proper care and good oral health, your dental implant could last a lifetime. The crown portion of the implant may need replacement within about 10-15 years, although crowns have been known to last up to 25 years, depending on placement and care. Implants are the longest-lasting tooth replacement option available. At Bulverde North Family Dental, we use high-quality titanium posts and porcelain restorations designed for maximum durability.
This is a question only you can answer. If you are considering a dental implant, speak to a trusted dental professional at Bulverde North Family Dental that can provide you with information and advice.
Dental implants infer many benefits on patients suffering tooth loss, including the ability to eat, brush, floss, and smile normally and with confidence. They tend to be more comfortable and convenient than some other options, they are durable and long-lasting, and they help to maintain the jawbone and position of other teeth.
Dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement, but it’s always best to explore all of your options in order to make an informed decision.
Why You Should Visit Bulverde North Family Dental for Dental Implants
- Many patients choose to have a dental implant because it really is like getting a brand new tooth
- Dental implants can resolve many of the issues that often arise when a missing tooth is not replaced
- Dr. Frei has many years of experience in fitting his patients with dental implants.
The Advantages of Dental Implants
If you are missing even a single tooth and decide not to replace it, your other teeth will shift in place to fill in the gap. Once that happens, it can negatively impact your bite (or the way your teeth fit together). That, in turn can affect the way you chew food or even the way you speak. In some cases, even the shape of your face can change over time if you choose to live with missing teeth.
While it’s true that there are several options to choose from when deciding how to replace one or more missing teeth, many patients prefer dental implants because they are truly a permanent solution. Unlike other dental appliances – some of which can be removed by the patient – dental implants are equipped with artificial roots that are implanted into the patient’s jaw. After the roots are fused to the bone – usually many months later — an artificial tooth is then affixed to the roots. So an implant is as close to getting a brand new tooth as current dental technology will allow!
Contact Our Office Today
For more information about dental implants, or to schedule an appointment with your dentist, contact our office today. We are pleased to serve patients from throughout the Bulverde, Spring Branch, Timberwood Park, Canyon Lake, San Antonio, and San Marcos, TX areas.