Walter D Thames, DDS, DDS
Urgent Dental Clinics
10650 Culebra Rd STE 136
San Antonio, TX 78251-4950
San Antonio, TX 78251-4950
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About Walter D Thames, DDS
Urgent Dental is dedicated to providing superior dental care in an urgent care setting. We provide both limited treatment and full-service comprehensive dentistry by a nationally accredited prosthodontist, Dr. Walter D. Thames, DDS, MS. Dr. Thames has placed over 800 dental implants with over 99% success rate which far exceeds his piers. Trust experience and superior dentistry, Trust Dr. Thames and Urgent Dental!
Credentials
Education
Doctor of Dental Surgery from UTHSC School of Dentistry Certificate in Prosthodontics from Navy Postgraduate Dental School-Bethesda MD
Dental Implant Procedures by Dr Thames
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a root-form titanium screw that is surgically placed in the jaw to create an anchor for teeth to be built upon. Dental implants are considered the best way to replace missing teeth.
Single Posterior Implant
The majority of dental implants involve the replacement of a back tooth. Referred to as a single posterior implant, this procedure is typically less complex and less costly than many people expect.
Front Tooth Implant
Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing a missing front tooth in most cases. Front tooth implants are not as common as dental implants replacing missing molars or back teeth.
Same Day Implants
With same day or immediate load implants, you can potentially receive both your implant surgery and your new teeth on the same day. However, there can be more associated risks and complications.
Mini Implants
Mini dental implants, sometimes referred to as MDI or narrow-diameter implants, can be an excellent option if you’re looking to replace lost teeth in areas with less bone volume or severely limited spacing.
All on 4
The AO4 procedure is considered one of the most complex dental implant treatments. This procedure involves removing all natural teeth and replacing them with 4 implants and a permanent hybrid-type bridge.
Full Mouth Implants
Missing most or all of your teeth due to damage, periodontal disease, or tooth decay? Full mouth dental implants, which your dentist may call full mouth restoration or reconstruction, can be a great option.
Tooth Extractions
Sometimes referred to as “having a tooth pulled,” a tooth extraction is a very common oral surgical procedure in which a natural tooth is removed from the jaw. An implant may be placed after adequate healing time.
Bone Grafting
After teeth are extracted, bone can atrophy or shrink to the point that bone grafting is required. Bone grafting builds up bone foundations for sufficient implant stability and strength.
Sinus Lift
Sometimes referred to as a sinus graft, this bone grafting procedure inserts bone into the maxillary sinus cavity. The goal is to grow enough bone to support dental implants in the posterior maxillae.
Ridge Augmentation
Ridge augmentation is a specific type of bone graft surgery which may be required prior to placement of dental implants. Commonly done after tooth extractions, this procedure prevents ridge atrophy or shrinkage.
Ridge Expansion
This is a type of bone grafting procedure where the bone is expanded or widened enough to support dental implants. This bone grafting procedure corrects jaw bone atrophy and shrinkage.
Socket Preservation
Socket preservations are simple bone grafting procedures done in conjunction with tooth extractions. The goal of socket preservation is to preserve bone for a future dental implant to be placed.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a cap or cover that protects the tooth and restores it to mimic natural shape, size, and function. Crowns are make of zirconia or porcelain and can be either cemented or screw-retained.
Screw Retained Crowns
A screw-retained implant crown is a single-tooth fixed restoration that is secured to a dental implant by means of a screw. Screw retained crowns are popular due to the proven long-term success they deliver.
Cemented Crowns
A cemented crown is a dental crown that is secured to a dental implant using a luting agent similar to dental crowns cemented onto natural teeth. Cemented crowns are beautiful, functional, and extremely durable.
Dental Bridges
An implant bridge or dental bridge is a permanent option that replaces multiple missing teeth. It literally bridges areas that are missing one or more teeth and fill in larger spaces with natural looking crowns.
Dentures
Often made of plastic, acrylic or hard resin, dentures are outdated replacements for missing teeth that must be removed daily for cleaning. Patients typically dislike dentures and have difficulty chewing with them.
Locator Overdentures
Also known as the LODI System, Locator overdentures use abutments (posts) and attachments (snaps) to secure a removable denture to dental implants. This system allows many patients to wear and use lower dentures.
Overdentures
Overdentures help solve many of the problems associated with wearing regular false teeth. Dental implants can anchor over dentures in place so they don’t move around when chewing, smiling, or talking.
Partial Dentures
Partial removable dentures, sometimes referred to as "partials," are removable dental appliances that replace one or more missing teeth. The replacement teeth are attached to a gum-colored acrylic base.
Implant Cosmetics
The goal of implant cosmetic dentistry is to create tooth-like restorations that are strong, mimic natural beauty and completely restore natural function. Think of cosmetic dentistry as plastic surgery for teeth.
Financial Options for Dental Procedures
CareCredit
Lending USA
America First Finance
In-Office Financing
Accepts most PPO insurance plans
Accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Cash, Checks (approval required)
Lending USA
America First Finance
In-Office Financing
Accepts most PPO insurance plans
Accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Cash, Checks (approval required)
Insurances Accepted
Delta Dental, AETNA, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, United Healthcare, United Concordia, Cigna, and most other PPO plans
Payments Accepted
Checks, Cash, and Credit Cards
Frequently Asked Questions
What practice does Dr. Thames work with?
Dr. Thames works with Urgent Dental Clinics.
What are common reasons for dental patients to see Dr Thames?
Dr Thames frequently sees patients for Dental Implants, Single Posterior Implant, Front Tooth Implant, Same Day Implants, Mini Implants, All on 4, Full Mouth Implants, Tooth Extractions, Bone Grafting, Sinus Lift, Ridge Augmentation, Ridge Expansion, Socket Preservation, Dental Crowns, Screw Retained Crowns, Cemented Crowns, Dental Bridges, Dentures, Locator Overdentures, Overdentures, Partial Dentures, Implant Cosmetics, .
What languages does Dr. Thames speak?
Dr. Thames speaks English Spanish .