Multiple Tooth Implants
Tulsa, OK
Your teeth perform numerous important tasks every single day. When you lose a section of your teeth, all of these functions are greatly impacted, decreasing your quality of life. At Smiles of Tulsa, we can restore sections of missing teeth with dental implants.
Effects of Tooth Loss
Tooth loss has several negative impacts on your life:| • |
Eating is more difficult. Your teeth are essential for chewing. It is the first stage of digestion. Your teeth break down the foods you eat, which makes the nutrients inside more easily absorbed by the body. When you are missing sections of teeth, you cannot completely chew your food. This can lead to poor digestion and malnutrition.
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Speaking becomes a challenge. Your teeth control your air flow when you speak, making it possible to form certain words and sounds. When you are missing teeth, you may have trouble speaking properly.
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Food can become lodged in the space, and it may be more difficult to keep clean. This can increase your risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay.
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Your smile (and your confidence) are affected.
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Tooth loss leads to bone loss. Your jaw becomes weak and starts to change shape. This can then cause your adjacent healthy teeth to shift into the space, throwing off your bite. |
Traditional Replacement Options
In the past, two options were available for replacing sections of missing teeth. The option used depending upon how many teeth were missing. A dental bridge replaced one to three missing teeth, while a partial denture replaced larger sections of missing teeth. Both of these options are still available today. A dental bridge, usually made from ceramic, consists of replacement teeth between two dental crowns. The bridge anchors on to your adjacent healthy teeth, holding the restoration securely in place. A partial denture, on the other hand, is a removable prosthesis. Acrylic resin teeth are set into an acrylic gum-colored base. The base is supported by your gums. It also has metal clasps, which attach to your healthy teeth, providing further support.
Dental Implants for Multiple Missing Teeth
Today, you also have the option of a multiple tooth dental implant or implant supported bridge. The exact number of implants placed in your jaw depends on how many teeth you are missing. Implants consist of small titanium rods that are inserted into your jaw. As you heal, your jawbone fuses to the implant, a process known as osseointegration. The implants essentially become “roots” that support your replacement teeth.
Implants require a surgical procedure. After a local anesthetic, incisions are made in your gums to expose the jawbone. We then drill the necessary number of holes in the bone and place your implants. Your gums are then stitched closed around the rods. A small amount is left exposed above the tissue. Before you go home, you are provided with temporary teeth. As you heal, we monitor your progress. Once you have completely healed, which can take up to a few months, we then move forward with creating your permanent replacement teeth and screwing them in place.
Benefits of Multiple Teeth Implants
Multiple teeth implants offer numerous benefits:| • |
The functions of your teeth are restored.
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Your adjacent teeth are left completely intact.
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Your replacement teeth are supported by implants, rather than adjacent teeth or your gums.
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The titanium rods mimic the functions of the roots of your teeth, helping to preserve the strength and integrity of your jawbone. This means that you will not experience the same bone loss. |
Learn More About Dental Implants and Multiple Teeth Replacement:
If you are missing a section of teeth, call Smiles of Tulsa today at (918) 891-3059 to find out if dental implants are the right option for you. |
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