Dental Implants
Tulsa, OK
Unfortunately, tens of millions of Americans suffer from tooth loss every year, which is why Smiles of Tulsa offers dental implants for patients that have one or more missing teeth. In recent years, dental implants have become the gold standard for tooth replacement treatment, because of their many benefits.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants consist of three parts:
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The Implant Screw—A small titanium screw that serves as the root element of a prosthetic tooth.
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The Abutment—A support structure that links the implant screw to the restoration.
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The Restoration—A prosthetic, typically made from porcelain or zirconia. Implants can be used to support a single crown, a fixed bridge, or a full mouth restoration. |
Dental implants have revolutionized the way we treat tooth loss. In almost every case, implants are superior to traditional bridges, partial dentures, and complete dentures.
Dental Implant Process
Before you can receive a dental implant, Corbyn VanBrunt, DDS has to determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implant treatment. During a consultation appointment, we will conduct a thorough examination, and review your medical and dental histories. We may also take x-rays and create impressions of your teeth and gums. Patients must have an adequate amount of bone to properly support an implant. For those with bone deterioration, you may need a bone graft before implantation is possible.
Once we have developed a proper and precise treatment plan, we can schedule the procedure. In most cases, the procedure is split into two surgeries. During the first surgery, Corbyn VanBrunt, DDS will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone. Next, we will drill a tiny hole so the implant can be deeply embedded in the jaw. Once the implant is in place, we will suture the incision.
For the next several months, the implant screw and your jaw will fuse together during the process of osseointegration. Osseointegration is crucial to the success of your implant and is largely responsible for the durability, stability, and longevity of an implant-supported restoration.
After osseointegration is complete, we can schedule the second surgery and place the abutment. In certain circumstances, the abutment can be placed at the same time as the implant screw, which eliminates the need for a second surgery. Once the abutment is in place, we will take an impression, make a model, and send it to the dental laboratory. At the lab, our technicians will use the model to fabricate your final restoration. After your restoration is complete, we will permanently bond it to the abutment.
Despite being invasive surgery, a dental implant is the best choice for patients with good bone health. Dental Implants preserve bone health just like natural teeth do, thus preventing jaw bone deterioration, as seen with people with only dentures. If a patient takes proper care of their dental implant, it can last over 25 years. However, factors such as improper oral hygiene, facial trauma, smoking, or drinking can reduce the lifespan of a dental implant.
Here at Smiles of Tulsa, our dentists Corbyn VanBrunt, DDS and , believe that dental implantation only needs to be done once. They take the utmost care to ensure your implant is of the best quality and fixed correctly so that you never have any problems.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have some benefits that make them the ideal solution for tooth loss. For instance, implant-supported restorations are made from the strongest and most esthetically-pleasing material available. Your restoration will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. You will be able to eat all of your favorite foods, without worrying about damaging your restoration.
Implant screws also prevent bone deterioration and other complications with your adjacent teeth. Once you lose a tooth, you lose the physical stimulation your jawbone needs to remain healthy. An implant screw provides the necessary stimulation to prevent deterioration. Also, an implant-supported restoration does not affect your adjacent teeth, unlike traditional bridges and partial dentures.
Learn More About Dental Implants:
Schedule a Consultation Today!If you are interested in dental implants, call (918) 891-3059, and schedule a consultation today! |
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