Something’s Missing… Filling in the Gaps with Dental Implants
Have you ever felt incomplete — like something was missing?
That’s exactly how Jim felt. Three months before his first visit to our practice, his regular dentist told him that an old root canal had failed and the tooth would need to be removed. Jim agreed to the extraction that day, not thinking much about it.
But a few weeks later, while enjoying a steak dinner with his wife, he realized something wasn’t quite right. Chewing was different. Eating wasn’t as enjoyable. And in that moment, Jim knew — something was missing.
The Emotional Side of Tooth Loss
Jim’s story is one we hear often. As a periodontist, my first goal is always to help patients save their natural teeth whenever possible. But sometimes, removing a tooth is the healthiest option. Still, that doesn’t make it easy.
Losing a tooth can be surprisingly emotional. It’s not just about appearance — it’s about comfort, confidence, and connection. For some, it’s the loss of a favorite meal. For others, it’s feeling embarrassed to smile or speak.
Why Teeth Matter More Than You Think
We often take our teeth for granted until they’re gone. They allow us to chew and enjoy our favorite foods, to smile freely, and to speak clearly. Missing teeth can affect more than just your mouth — they can impact your physical health, social life, and mental well-being.
For decades, dentures and bridges were the only options to replace missing teeth. While they helped, these solutions often came with drawbacks like discomfort, inconvenience, or the need for frequent repairs.
The Modern Solution: Dental Implants
Today, dental implants have transformed how we restore smiles. Implants are small titanium posts that replace the roots of missing teeth, providing a strong and stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Unlike natural teeth, implants don’t decay or develop cavities, and they’re incredibly durable. They can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even stabilize dentures so they stay securely in place when chewing or speaking.
Dental implants are a long-term investment in your health — and studies show that people with more teeth tend to live longer, healthier lives. With proper care, implants can last 25 years or more.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Not everyone is an immediate candidate for implants. Your dentist or periodontist will perform a thorough evaluation of your medical and dental health to determine whether implants are the right solution for you.
But for many, implants offer the perfect way to “fill in the gaps” — restoring not just your smile, but your ability to eat comfortably and feel confident again.
Restoring Health, Function, and Confidence
If something feels missing in your smile, dental implants could be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Tulsa Dental Implants and Periodontics, we help patients achieve healthier mouths and more beautiful smiles through comfortable, innovative, and predictable treatments for gum disease, gum recession, and dental implants.
Choose health for your mouth — and confidence for your smile. Call us today to learn more. You’ll be glad you did.
Tulsa Dental Implants and Periodontics
📍 9607 E 95th Ct S, Tulsa, OK 74133
📞 (918) 288-0818
🌐 www.TulsaPerio.com