What are dental implants made of? The portion of the dental implant that is placed in your jawbone is made of titanium or titanium alloys. Titanium quickly forms a natural, strong bond with the jawbone, allowing you to have full function of the tooth. The visible portion of a dental implant is most often made using a porcelain material that closely mimics the look and function of natural teeth.

You can not reverse the dental implant procedure. Because of this, it is important to carefully consider the options you have when facing this type of restorative dentistry. In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about dental implants and the impact that they can have on your life.

Everything You Should Know About Dental Implants

Not only do dental implants require a lengthy dental procedure but they also require a considerable investment. Because of this, we believe that each of our patients should be fully informed as they make decisions regarding the future of their oral health.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a common dental procedure used to replace a broken, damaged, or missing tooth. With this procedure, your dentist will carefully place a titanium post (also known as an abutment) directly into your jawbone. This portion of the implant will serve the same purpose as the roots of your existing teeth. Once we place the titanium post, the jawbone will begin to naturally bond with the implant. This process is known as osseointegration. 

After osseointegration is complete and we are fully satisfied with the way your implant has bonded with the jawbone, we will complete the process. We fashion a porcelain prosthetic tooth to attach to the top of the implant. This tooth mimics your natural teeth in size, shape, color, and function. In fact, implants today are nearly undetectable due to the latest advances in dental technology.

Common Materials Used to Make Dental Implants

While Tulsa dental implants have been made using a variety of materials over the years, the dental implants that we use today are made using titanium or titanium alloy. Our bones naturally bond with titanium as if it was bone, making this the most successful method of restorative dentistry. 

The visible portion of a dental implant is most commonly made using porcelain as this material provides the most natural match to your existing teeth. However, some dentists prefer ceramic or metal prosthetics. When choosing to pursue dental implants, we ensure that the materials we use are compatible with your existing bone structure and overall aesthetic of your smile.

Our goal is to provide you with dental implants that mimic both the function and the form of your natural teeth. 

What Purpose Does a Dental Implant Serve? 

Dental implants were first introduced as an excellent alternative to traditional dentures. For most patients, dental implants are recommended when one or several teeth are damaged, broken, or missing. As long as the health and structure of the jawbone do not show signs of damage, dental implants can be a great way to restore full functionality to the mouth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Many patients are wary about the possibility of dental implants. In many cases, they see the dental procedure as purely cosmetic. However, this could not be further from the truth. When we recommended dental implants, there are almost always several reasons why they would benefit both your health and quality of life.

Improve Oral Health

First and foremost, dental implants improve your oral health. When one or several teeth are missing or damaged, the surrounding teeth are more susceptible to injury or infection. By replacing the missing or broken tooth with a dental implant, you are protecting the surrounding teeth, gums, and even bone structure. 

Maintain Face Shape & Structure

Our teeth are responsible for maintaining the shape and structure of our face. Once you begin to lose teeth, your face can quickly become sunken or misshapen. This not only affects the condition of the surrounding teeth but also greatly affects your self-esteem. 

By using dental implants, we can easily restore your smile to its original shape, maintaining the structural integrity of your face.

Improve Physical Health

When you have teeth that are missing or damaged, your physical health could be affected. Missing teeth make it nearly impossible to eat and drink as you normally would. Dental implants allow you to get the nutrients you need. 

Additionally, tooth decay or gum disease can have a negative impact on overall health. By choosing to pursue dental implants, you minimize the risk of additional health problems caused by your missing or damaged tooth.

Boost Confidence

It is important that you feel confident in yourself and your appearance! Dental implants can be a huge boost to your confidence and self-esteem. In addition to the many health benefits of dental implants, we believe that we can improve the quality of our patient’s lives through this restorative dental procedure.

The Longevity of Dental Implants

Although you can not reverse dental implants, they are not a permanent solution to oral health concerns. When cared for properly, dental implants last an average of 10 to 15 years. For the majority of our Tulsa patients, the investment is well worth it for such a long-lasting solution to missing or damaged teeth.

Proper oral healthcare habits are essential to the longevity of your dental implants. Dental implants often maintain their original color and condition. However, they can be susceptible to damage or staining just like other teeth. Unlike natural teeth, implants can not be whitened. Because of this, you must be diligent in regard to your oral hygiene routine. Bi-annual dental exams and cleanings are an important part of caring for your dental implants.

Alternatives to Dental Implants

If you are missing a tooth or have suffered severe damage to your teeth, you are likely looking into your options. While dental implants are the most common solution for these problems, dentures are another alternative form of treatment. 

Dentures vs. Dental Implants

While dentures have been around for quite some time, dental implants are becoming much more popular. Dentures simply do not provide the same level of functionality or strength that is provided by implants.

Dental implants are also a much more carefree alternative, without additional steps required for care. For this reason, we recommend dental implants to the majority of our patients facing a restorative dentistry procedure.

Finding a Dental Implant Specialist in Tulsa

At The Dental Studio of South Tulsa, we take great pride in our high-quality dental implant procedure. Our team has extensive training and experience in dental implants, ensuring that your procedure exceeds your expectations. The dental implant procedure may be intimidating. However, we take every step to minimize your appointment time and reduce any discomfort that you may experience.

With the ever-changing advancements in dental technology, dental implants can provide you with a long-lasting solution to tooth damage, loss, or decay. 

Through dental implants, we can restore your smile, provide you with optimal oral health, and boost your confidence. No matter the situation that has caused you to suffer tooth loss or damage, you deserve to feel confident in your smile.

Are you ready to experience the incredible functionality and appearance of dental implants? Contact our Tulsa dental studio today to schedule a dental implant consultation! We look forward to hearing from you. 

The post What Dental Implants Are Made Of: Everything You Should Know first appeared on The Dental Studio of South Tulsa.

The post What Dental Implants Are Made Of: Everything You Should Know appeared first on The Dental Studio of South Tulsa.

What are dental implants? A dental implant is a device that doctors use to replace or repair damaged or missing teeth. Implants are surgically placed into the jaw bone to support things such as the following: 

• Bridges
• Crowns
• Dentures

Dental implants are used to support the remaining teeth and to provide an anchor point for the devices listed above.

Although the process for placing a Tulsa dental implant can be involved, it has stood the test of time as one of the best ways to repair a missing or damaged tooth. There are several ways that a dental implant can be used to solve a variety of oral health problems. 

In this article, we will cover reasons for Tulsa dental implants, the longevity of various types of implants, and any alternatives to this route of treatment. 

Reasons for Dental Implants

There are several reasons why a dentist may suggest the use of a dental implant. Some of the most common situations which require an implant include missing or damaged teeth due to decay or injury or damage to the jaw bone. Unlike removable dentures, dental implants actually strengthen the jaw bone and lead to healthier teeth and bone structure.

Dental implants offer several benefits for individuals who are missing one or more teeth. Dentures are uncomfortable and inconvenient. Because they are removable, dentures are highly susceptible to damage or loss. This creates a stressful and embarrassing situation for the owner. 

Unlike dentures, Tulsa dental implants are a permanent solution to missing or damaged teeth. A dentist places the implant directly into your jaw bone. Although the process can be drawn out, the long-lasting results are a natural and healthy-looking smile. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth with the use of a dental bridge.

Tulsa Dental implants are incredibly sturdy. Implants are typically made of a titanium material that is extremely compatible with natural bone. Because of this, the implant fuses to the bone in which it is placed. This creates a structure that very closely mimics the natural root structure of a tooth.

Types of Dental Implants

There are two primary types of dental implants that are used today. Both procedures come with their various advantages as well as disadvantages. Your Tulsa dental implants specialist will advise you on the type of dental implant that will be most beneficial for your unique situation.

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants remain the most common type of dental implant today. This type of dental implant is placed directly into the jawbone of the patient. Although this process sounds painful, it provides the most sturdy and long-lasting solution. Endosteal implants are typically made of titanium material.

As stated previously, this material is compatible with the natural bone which allows for the fusing of the two materials. This creates a sturdy base for a dental crown, bridge, or denture.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are the best option for patients who do not have a strong, healthy jawbone. This type of dental implant is placed below the gum but above the jawbone. Because the implant is not able to fuse to the jawbone, this type of implant is less sturdy than the endosteal alternative.

Since subperiosteal implants are not as reliable as endosteal implants, they are now seldom used. In cases where a patient does not have a strong, healthy jawbone, a bone graft may be used to enable the placement of endosteal implants.

Dental Implant Procedure

The procedure for Tulsa dental implants can be lengthy. However, the nature of this type of surgery requires sufficient time for the bone to heal. Because of this, a dentist typically performs the dental implant procedure in several steps. Depending on the health of the individual patient and the rate at which their body heals, the entire process could take anywhere from 4 months to over 1 year.

Planning for Tulsa Dental Implants

The first step in the dental implant procedure is the planning phase. During the process, your Tulsa dental implants specialist will determine which type of dental bridge is best for your situation. They will take several factors into account including:

• patient’s overall health
• quality of the existing jawbone
• location of the missing tooth
• cost of dental implants
• alternatives to implants
• patient’s preferences

Dental x-rays will also be taken during this appointment to give the Tulsa dental implants specialist a clear view of the health of the jawbone and surrounding teeth. Based on their findings from the initial appointment, the dentist will develop a plan for that patient’s dental implant procedure. 

Dental Implant Surgery

There are several steps to dental implant surgery. This is a complex procedure. After each step in the process, the bone fully heals before moving to the next step. Allowing proper time for the jawbone to heal ensures that the dental implant will be sturdy and long-lasting.

During the first surgery, the dentist will remove the damaged tooth if necessary. Some patients also require a bone graft during this time to prepare the jawbone for Tulsa dental implants. If the patient’s situation requires the removal of a tooth, they will recover for a set amount of time, usually between two and six months.

Once the patient’s jawbone is back to its healthy state, the dentist will move on to the next step in the dental implant process. During the second surgery, the dentist will install the dental implant into the jawbone. This involves placing the titanium implant into the bone and then covering it with a temporary cap that allows the implant to heal.

The jawbone typically returns to full health and strength within two to six months following the placement of the titanium dental implant.

Finally, once the jawbone has returned to its initial state and has successfully accepted the dental implant, the process will reach its final step. During the final step, the dental implant specialist will install an abutment which acts to hold a dental crown or bridge to the implant. After this step, the process is complete, leaving the patient with a beautiful, strong, natural-looking smile.

Dental Implants Longevity

Dental implants are a very common dental procedure. This is due greatly to their natural appearance, strength, integrity, and longevity. Although the dental implant procedure is lengthy and involves many steps, it continues to provide patients with incredible results.

The longevity of dental implants varies greatly based on the patient’s health, oral health habits, location of the implant, and several other factors. However, with proper care and placement, Tulsa dental implants can be a permanent fix, lasting a lifetime.

Alternatives to Dental Implants

Depending on your unique situation, you may have alternatives to Tulsa dental implants. Most commonly, the only alternative to this procedure is to choose not to have it done. This leaves you with a missing tooth, something which may bother you in the long run. 

In addition to a beautiful smile, Tulsa dental implants also prevent further damage to both your teeth and your gums. Because of this, it is wise to follow the advice of your dentist when they suggest a dental implant procedure.

Tusla Dental Implants Specialist

There are several things to look for while searching for a dentist in Tulsa who specialized in dental implants. Because the dental implant procedure includes many steps, it is important to choose a dentist who has great experience and is capable of performing this dental procedure.

Talented Dental Team

When choosing a dentist for your Tulsa dental implants, it is important to find a practice who boasts a talented dental team. Although the dentist is responsible for the placement of your dental implant, you will also receive care from the other members of the team. 

Attentive to Patient’s Concerns

Because the dental implant procedure is so invasive, it is crucial to find a Tulsa dentist who is attentive to each patient’s concerns. Finding a dental practice who puts the needs and concerns of their patients first provides you with the comfort of knowing that you will receive answers to all of your questions.

Advanced Dental Technology

Finding a dentist who pursues and utilizes advanced dental technology provides you with the opportunity for high-quality dental care. Oftentimes, there are faster and better ways to accomplish the same dental procedure. Many practices become stuck in their ways, refusing their patients the benefits of the latest dental implant procedures.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for the best place to receive top-notch Tulsa dental implants, look no further! The Dental Studio of South Tulsa specializes in dental implant procedures for patients of all types. Whether you have had a dental implant in the past, or this is your first procedure, you can be sure that you will have the best experience while in our care.

Click this link for more information or to schedule your Tulsa dental implants appointment today! 

The post Best Dental Implants in Tulsa first appeared on The Dental Studio of South Tulsa.

The post Best Dental Implants in Tulsa appeared first on The Dental Studio of South Tulsa.