Dental implants are an innovative, secure, and long-lasting solution to tooth loss. They function like roots for artificial teeth, including crowns, bridgework, and implant-supported dentures. Dr. Billie Reeder, Dr. Lori Hare, and Dr. Robin Ross, the experienced dentists at Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry in Claremore, and Tulsa, OK, can determine if dental implants can be used to restore your smile.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants are small screw-like posts that are inserted directly into the jawbone. They function like the roots of teeth to anchor tooth restorations in place. Individual teeth can be replaced with a single implant and dental crown. When multiple teeth are being replaced at a time, several implants can be used to hold a dental bridge or implant-supported denture.
Dental implants are made from titanium, a metal that naturally bonds to bone tissue. The metal implants become permanently fused with the bone over time, which enables them to securely hold replacement teeth indefinitely without risk of the implants coming loose.
Unfortunately, the reality is that dental implants are not an option for everyone. Candidates for this innovative tooth replacement solution must have sufficient bone tissue in the jaw area. However, bone loss is a common side effect of tooth loss. Additionally, it is important to have healthy gum tissue because a small incision is made in the gums in order to insert the implants in the jawbone. The skilled dentists at our offices in Claremore, and Tulsa, OK, can assess whether dental implants are an option for you.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Numerous benefits are associated with dental implants. For example, not only do they restore your smile, but dental implants also restore biting and chewing functions that were affected by tooth loss. They also reduce many of the unwanted side effects of tooth loss. Some of the many ways dental implants help include:
- They restore your smile by filling in the gaps where teeth are missing.
- Dental implants prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place.
- They reduce sagging and drooping of the face by providing support for facial muscles.
- Dental implants preserve bone tissue by preventing the body from reabsorbing it following tooth loss.
- They improve tooth functioning by restoring biting and chewing functions that were affected by tooth loss.
- By redistributing biting and chewing functions across a full set of teeth, dental implants reduce excess strain on the remaining teeth that had been compensating for missing ones.
- Dental implants are versatile and can restore your smile whether you are missing just one tooth or an entire arch of teeth.
You should know that dental implants are the most secure and long-lasting tooth replacement option. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Reeder, Dr. Hare, or Dr. Ross to find out if you are a candidate for dental implants by calling Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry in Tulsa, OK, at (918) 749-0303. Appointments are also available at our Claremore, OK, office by calling (918) 343-4300.