Dental implants are a popular choice for replacing missing teeth. They look and feel like natural teeth and can last for many years with proper care. One of the best benefits of dental implants is how they help maintain the health of your jawbone because the implant works like a tooth root. At Henrich Dental in Tulsa, OK, we offer dental implants that can restore your smile’s look and function.
Compared to traditional dentures or dental bridges, implants offer several long-term health benefits. Implants can bring back the beauty of your smile and allow you to eat, speak, and chew without worry. Plus, they’re easy to care for, just like natural teeth. You can brush and floss around implants like you do with the rest of your teeth.
Anatomy of a Dental Implant
The three-part dental implant system mimics the natural ingenuity of the human tooth:
The Implant Post
This part is like the root of the implant. Made from strong, medical-grade titanium, the post is a tiny screw that goes into the jawbone. Dr. Henrich will carefully place this post in your jaw at our Tulsa office.
The implant will need about 3 to 6 months to fuse with your jawbone fully. This process, called “osseointegration,” helps the implant become stable and secure, providing a strong foundation for the tooth replacement.
The Abutment
Once the implant post has bonded with your jawbone, Dr. Henrich will place a small connector, called an abutment, on top. This piece sticks up just above the gumline, creating a surface where the new tooth or crown will attach. The gums will need a bit of time to heal around the abutment before the final restoration is attached.
The Restoration
The visible part of the implant is the restoration. It can be a crown for a single tooth, a bridge for several missing teeth, or a full denture for an entire arch. These restorations are custom-made using durable porcelain to match your other teeth for a natural look and feel.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Using advanced 3D imaging, Dr. Henrich can plan your implant treatment with high precision. This technology helps create a detailed 3D model of your teeth, gums, and jawbone, giving Dr. Henrich a clear view of where the implants should go. With this type of planning, he can create a precise and secure fit for your implant. It often leads to shorter, less invasive surgeries and better long-term results.
The dental implant process begins with placing a titanium post in the jawbone. Titanium is used because it’s light yet strong, and it bonds well with bone tissue. Over the next 3 to 6 months, your bone will grow around the implant, making it a solid, stable foundation, much like a natural tooth root.
As you heal, Dr. Henrich will keep track of your progress. Once your jaw has healed around the implant, he’ll add the abutment to the post. This abutment will hold the restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) in place. Your gums will need a little more time to heal around the abutment before the final step.
Once your gums are ready, we’ll attach the final restoration, made by our partner dental lab. Your new crown, bridge, or denture will be custom-made to match your natural teeth, allowing it to blend seamlessly with your smile. This final piece will not only look natural but will also allow you to eat all the foods you enjoy without restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants
Here are answers to some common questions we receive about dental implants at our Tulsa, OK office:
What kind of restoration will I need?
The type of restoration depends on how many teeth you’re missing and where they are. For a single missing tooth, a dental implant with a crown is best. For several missing teeth in a row, we may suggest an implant-supported bridge using at least two implants. If you are missing a full set of upper or lower teeth, a full denture anchored by four or more implants is ideal.
Are dental implants worth the cost?
Dental implants may cost more than other options upfront, but they offer lasting benefits. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth and are more comfortable than removable options. Implants don’t need extra care, won’t slip, allow you to eat a wide variety of foods, and keep your jawbone healthy. This investment can improve your quality of life, making implants a wise long-term choice.
How do dental implants prevent bone loss?
A natural tooth root helps keep the jawbone healthy by providing stimulation when you chew or bite. Without this stimulation, the bone begins to shrink, a process called “bone resorption.” Dental implants act like natural roots, stimulating the bone to keep it strong and prevent it from shrinking. This means implants not only replace missing teeth but also protect the shape and strength of your jaw.
Take the Next Step: Request a Dental Exam Today
Missing teeth can cause more issues than just a gap in your smile. When teeth are missing, your other teeth may begin to shift or even loosen. Changes in your facial appearance can also happen over time. Early treatment with dental implants can preserve the structure of your jaw and reduce the risk of gum disease and other problems.
If you’re looking for a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, contact our team in Tulsa, OK. We offer personalized implant treatment plans designed to restore both your smile and oral health. Schedule your exam online or call our Tulsa office at (918) 262-4731! We look forward to helping you regain a strong, beautiful smile.
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