Your smile can feel and look incomplete when you have one or more missing teeth. Furthermore, just one missing tooth increases the risk of losing more teeth. Prosthetic dentistry offers excellent options to restore and complete your smile. As you consider which replacement tooth/teeth option will work best for you, consult with a trusted implant dentist.
Dr. Matthew Bridges and our team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center will guide you through dental restoration choices, explaining options and answering all of your questions. At our dental office in Duncan, OK, we offer bridges, dentures, and dental implants. In today’s blog, we will dive into some of the most common questions about implants.
How do dental implants work?
A dental implant is a small, biocompatible post used to anchor a new tooth or teeth to your jaw. Dr. Bridges works with trusted, local oral surgeons and periodontists for the surgical portion of the dental implant process. Our team will oversee your case from beginning to end. Dr. Bridges offers the initial consultation, then after surgery, he will provide the final restoration: a custom crown, bridge, or full denture.
Dental implant surgery takes a few hours and falls under the heading of minor oral surgeries. You’ll be made comfortable with anesthetic and/or sedation, such as nitrous oxide, halcion, or valium. Then the surgeon will insert one or more dental implants into your jaw, in the empty socket(s) left by missing teeth. You may wear a temporary crown or denture until the final restoration is made.
Expect healing to take three to nine months as jawbone tissue fully fuses and integrates with the implant post(s).
Once the dental implant has fully fused to your bone and the surgeon clears you to get a permanent prosthetic, you will return to Dr. Bridges. After the new crown, bridge, or denture is attached to your implant(s), it will feel, fit, and function like natural, healthy teeth.
Why choose dental implants?
Missing teeth that aren’t replaced lead to a host of additional dental problems, including:
- Shifting Teeth
- Misaligned Teeth
- Reduced Jawbone Density
- Sagging Facial Muscles/Aged Appearance
- Increased Risk of Gum Disease
- Increased Risk of Further Tooth Loss
Dental implants are a popular choice for tooth replacement due to their many benefits, such as:
- Providing the look and feel of natural teeth
- Returning functionality to your mouth
- Providing a success rate of 98 percent
- Lasting up to 20+ years when cared for properly
- Helping lower the risk of gum disease
- Helping you retain your facial structure and youthful appearance
- Lowering your risk of misalignment issues
What are the eligibility requirements for dental implants?
Most patients fit the eligibility standards for dental implants. However, some exemptions exist. Your implant dentist may suggest another course of treatment if you have any of the following issues:
- You don’t meet the bone density requirements.
Your implant dentist will examine the density of your jawbone by taking x-rays of. If your jawbone has deteriorated, you may need a bone graft to improve jawbone strength. Once you’ve healed from this procedure, you can revisit the dental implant option.
- You are in poor health.
Since getting dental implants requires a short, minor surgery, you need a strong immune system and good general health. Undergoing even an outpatient procedure could put further stress on your physical health.
- You have unhealthy teeth and gums.
For a successful implant procedure, your teeth and gums must be healthy prior to surgery. Tooth decay or gum disease could create more issues for your new implant or worse, lead to serious illnesses.
Ready to get started on restoring your teeth? Call your implant dentist today!
Missing teeth can cause serious issues for your dental health and make you feel self-conscious. You don’t have to wait any longer to restore your smile. Implant dentist Dr. Matthew Bridges and our team at Chisholm Trail Dental Center in Duncan, OK, can create a smile you’ll love. Contact us online or call us today at 580-255-4880.
