Dental implants are the most popular solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. The results look and function just like your natural teeth. One of the key benefits of a dental implant is its ability to help you maintain healthy jaw bone and structure. This is because the implant serves as a prosthetic tooth root, supporting a restoration such as a crown or bridge. We offer dental implants in Tulsa, OK.
Dental implants can offer long term dental health benefits when compared to dentures and dental bridges. An implant can revitalize your entire smile and restore your ability to eat and speak. You can also clean and maintain implant restorations like you would your natural teeth.
Put the Power of Your Smile in Your Hands
The three-part dental implant system mimics the natural ingenuity of the human tooth.
Whether you are missing a single tooth or a full arch of teeth, we will use dental implants to restore your smile fully. Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth in the most natural way possible.
Dr. Henrich is an experienced restorative dentist in Tulsa. He offers complete dental implant services under one roof to help patients enjoy optimal oral health. Dental implants help maintain the health and structure of the bite.
Implants fuse with the jaw bone, creating a secure and permanent bond. The titanium posts help stimulate natural bone regeneration for long-term stability and durable results.
Anatomy of a Dental Implant
A dental implant consists of three parts: the implant itself, the connector, and the restoration:
- The Implant Post: Made of medical-grade titanium, the implant post is much like a tiny screw. In most cases, Dr. Henrich will surgically insert the post into the jawbone in the comfort of our Tulsa office. The dental implant post takes 3-6 months to integrate with the jawbone. Once healed, the implant will help support natural bone regeneration and secure bite alignment.
- The Abutment: The abutment is a small metal attachment that anchors the dental restoration to the dental implant. It will protrude from the gum line so it can hold the restoration. After we place this piece, we will wait for your gums to heal before we place the final restoration.
- The Dental Restoration: Dental restorations are the part of the dental crown system that looks and functions like a natural tooth. The type of dental restoration a patient receives will vary depending on the number and placement of missing teeth and the number and style of implants used. We custom-design the restoration using high-quality dental grade porcelain to match the patient’s adjacent teeth for a natural result.
3D Digital Planning
With the state-of-the-art digital imaging, Dr. Henrich can create a 3-D model for more precise treatment planning. The Kavo OP 3D CBCT creates lifelike digital models that help Dr. Henrich produce more accurate and secure implant results.
These highly accurate models often result in less invasive surgery saving patients time and money. 3D imaging provides as an aid for precision, improving the end result.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The first step in this process involves implanting a titanium “root.” We use titanium because this material is strong, and lightweight, and your jawbone will actually fuse right to it. Once the bone has healed around it, the connection will be as strong as your normal roots.
It takes three to six months for healthy jaw bone to grow around the implant. We will keep track of your progress and determine when you are healed. We will then place an abutment on top of the titanium, which will hold the restoration. You will need more time for your gums to heal before we place the final restoration.
We work with a dental lab to create your custom-made bridge, denture, or porcelain crown. This restoration will look just like your natural teeth and will only fit in your mouth. It will be indistinguishable when you smile and will let you eat all your favorite foods.
Dental Implants FAQs
Learn more about treatment with dental implants in our Tulsa, OK office with answers to these common questions:
What type of dental restoration will I need?
The type of prosthesis you will need depends on how many teeth you are missing and where they are located. We can replace a single missing tooth with a dental implant and crown. We will replace several consecutive missing teeth with a dental bridge that has at least two dental implants. A full denture with at least four implant fixtures can replace a whole row of missing teeth.
Are dental implants worth the investment?
A dental implant-supported restoration is the only solution that mimics the function, appearance, and feel of natural teeth. While they do cost more, they are more comfortable, require little extra care, will never fall out, allow you to eat more types of food, and will prevent bone loss. These advantages will let you live a normal life. You are investing in your quality of life and your health.
How do dental implants prevent bone loss?
A natural tooth root is responsible for stabilizing the tooth and providing stimulation for the jawbone so it can regenerate. Without the root, the bone gets little to no stimulation and will begin to deteriorate.
Since a dental implant acts as a missing tooth root, it essentially prevents bone loss. When you chew or bite, it stimulates the jaw bone allowing it to regenerate and remain strong and healthy.
Get Started Now: Request A Dental Exam Today
Missing teeth can be problematic. Your remaining teeth could start to shift positions, or they might even start to come loose on their own. You might even start to notice changes in your facial appearance. Start now to preserve the bone structure and reduce the risk of further cavities and gum disease.
If you want a long-term solution to replace missing teeth, contact our dentist in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Our dental care team provides comprehensive and personalized implant treatment plans to restore your oral health. Contact our Tulsa dentist office today.
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