What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are the best way for many patients in Catoosa, OK to replace a missing or failing tooth. Dental implants are posts that sit inside of the jaw bone replacing the roots of the teeth. They restore the foundation of teeth and allow patients to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. Periodontists are foundation specialists of the mouth and have extensive training in the placement of dental implants.
Teeth are often something we take for granted. We don’t realize how much we use and rely on them until they are gone. Not only do teeth allow us to chew food, but they also allow us to smile and speak. Losing teeth can drastically affect a person’s physical, social and mental health.
Dental implants are the preferred way to replace teeth for most patients, allowing them to smile, chew, and speak with confidence. Dental implants are titanium posts that replace the roots or the foundation of teeth. Implants, unlike natural teeth, will never decay or develop cavities. They are also stronger than teeth and typically do not break as easily as teeth.
Treating you in Catoosa, OK
Implant therapy can begin once the patient has been deemed a good candidate. The following are the general steps for implant therapy.
The first step will be to remove the tooth and any parts that still remain. A bone graft is usually placed at this time to preserve or rebuild the bone where the tooth is missing. A bone graft is a powder that is used to fill the hole that is left when the tooth is removed. A protective covering called a membrane may be placed to cover the hole and allow the area to heal properly.
2. A 3D scan will be performed following the initial healing period. This allows the dentist to measure and plan out the placement of the implant.
3. The placement of the implant post is then performed. This is usually a very straight forward procedure if there is adequate bone. On average, 10 weeks of healing will be required before moving forward.
4. The implant will be tested for stability before the restorative process can be started. Once the implant is deemed ready, our doctors will work with your general dentist to complete the restorative stage.
Who Needs Dental Implants in Catoosa, OK?
Patients who have failing or missing teeth should always consider dental implants as their first and best option for replacement. A thorough exam will be performed to ensure that the patient is a good candidate for implants. There are three basic criteria that may qualify a patient to have dental implants:
Healthy Patient:
Healthy patients heal faster with fewer complications. Your periodontist will perform a thorough interview and assessment of your overall health to identify any major risk factors that may affect the placement of dental implants.
Healthy Mouth:
A healthy mouth can translate to a healthy implant. Your periodontist will perform a comprehensive exam to assess your oral health. If other problems exist, such as active gum disease or infection, a plan will be made to address these issues before the placement of a dental implant.
Adequate Space:
Implants require adequate spacing in between teeth in all dimensions. There also needs to be adequate jaw bone available to secure a stable implant. A 3D X-ray is usually necessary to evaluate the amount of space available for an implant.
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