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.

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At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges works side-by-side with a qualified and trusted implant dentist. If you’re ready to discuss dental implants and verify your candidacy, then contact our Duncan, OK, dental clinic at (580) 255-4880 or online here.

Meanwhile, let our implant dentist answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about dental implants. Patients can use this information to prepare for the procedure and facilitate healing after treatment.

What do I need to do to prepare for dental implants?

First, patients should have good oral health. So, dental implant candidates must be free from cavities and periodontal disease (also called gum disease) before beginning treatment. 

Secondly, patients must have adequate jawbone volume. The jawbone can degrade over time due to tooth loss, gum disease, and osteoporosis. And, when the bone deteriorates, there isn’t enough real estate for our implant dentist to embed the artificial tooth root into the jaw.

But, this doesn’t mean that patients with low jawbone density can’t get dental implants. Patients can receive a preparatory procedure known as dental bone grafting to strengthen areas of weakness or low density. 

Once patients treat all cavities, gum disease, and bone-density issues, then they may proceed to dental implant surgery!

How do I care for my dental implant after surgery?

Immediately after surgery, patients should hydrate and get plenty of rest. Our implant dentist recommends reclining with your head propped up to reduce swelling and bleeding. And, drink plenty of water, as water is clinically proven to enhance the healing process. But, avoid straws for about two weeks after surgery. The suction could dislodge newly formed blood clots.

Choose softer foods (like protein shakes, smoothies, and soups), and try not to chew on the side of the mouth where the new implant is. Additionally, avoid overly hot, spicy, and acidic foods, as they may irritate the surgical site.

Although our implant dentist will tell you to leave the new implant alone, this does not mean that patients should stop brushing or flossing. In fact, oral hygiene is more important than ever after oral surgery. So, carefully brush twice a day, floss once a day, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to keep your mouth and implant healthy and clean.

When will I get my restoration?

Patients must allow the jawbone to heal fully around the new dental implant. Medical professionals call this process ‘osseointegration’, and it is critical to the long-term success of the implant. 

To ensure that the implant permanently fuses with the jawbone, our implant dentist recommends waiting for approximately four to six months before placing the final restoration. Getting a new restoration before the implant is fully healed could result in a failed procedure.

Ask Our Implant Dentist about Dental Implants Today

If you’re looking for a qualified implant dentist in Duncan, OK, then let the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center help. Dr. Bridges will gladly refer you to a trained and trusted oral surgeon. Simply call (580) 255-4880 or send us a message here to request your consultation.

The post Our Implant Dentist Answers Your Dental Implant FAQs appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

If you are considering dental implants, you likely have a number of questions about the procedure and your candidacy. Dr. Matthew Bridges is happy to answer all of your questions and provide a comprehensive consultation prior to treatment. Contact our office today with any questions or to book an appointment.

Is an implant appropriate if I have a missing front tooth?

A dental implant can be a great option if you are missing a single tooth. The other alternative would be a dental bridge and, while this can still be a good solution, it does require alteration of your surrounding teeth. In contrast, an implant-supported restoration sits directly on the implant post and does not affect your other teeth. 

Furthermore, implant-supported crowns are highly lifelike, making them ideal for your more visible front teeth.

Are implants suitable for people with no teeth?

Multiple implants can support a full upper or lower denture. It is also possible to receive both an upper and lower implant-supported denture at the same time.

Whether you are considering one implant or several, Dr. Bridges will need to assess your candidacy for treatment. Certain chronic health conditions may affect your eligibility, as can your jawbone health. Fortunately, if you have suffered jawbone recession, an oral surgeon can often perform a bone graft prior to implant placement.

Do implants hurt?

Dental implants require surgery, performed by a local implant specialist. You will typically receive local anesthesia and sedation, so you should experience little discomfort during the procedure itself. You should, however, expect some moderate inflammation for one to three days after the surgery. Most patients find that this discomfort is less than that following surgery for impacted teeth. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as acetaminophen, and codeine can both effectively reduce pain and swelling. 

You will also need to eat a soft diet for a few days to avoid irritating your gums. 

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants offer enormous benefits, which is why they are rapidly growing in popularity. In fact, experts predict that 23% of the population will have dental implants by 2026. Some of these benefits include: 

• Improved jawbone health: Your dental roots do more than support your teeth. They also give out important signals to your jawbone that stimulate bone tissue regeneration. When you are missing teeth, your jaw can quickly start to shrink. Implants, however, perform the same regenerative function. Therefore, they can prevent further tooth loss and the older, “sunken” appearance often associated with missing teeth.
• Stability: Implant-supported restorations are virtually as secure as natural teeth. Unlike older dentures, they will never slip out of place, and no adhesive is required.
• Natural appearance: Implant-supported restorations sit directly against your gums, and they are made from highly advanced, realistic materials. As a result, they are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
• Greater functionality: Thanks to the increased stability, implant-supported restorations function just like natural teeth. Once you have fully healed from surgery, you should be able to enjoy a full, unrestricted diet.
• Longevity: Dental implants have an astonishing 95% success rate. With proper care and maintenance, they can last 20 years or longer. Some patients enjoy fully restored smiles for life after their implant placement.

Contact an Implant Dentist Today

Still have questions about dental implants? Our team is always happy to answer questions and address your concerns. Contact us online or give us a call at 580-255-4880. At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we proudly serve patients in Duncan, OK, and the nearby communities. 

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