Oklahoma City Dental Implants

Oklahoma reconstructive dentist Dr. Michael Forth is an experienced dental implant dentist. From individual implants, to overdentures and partials and even whole-mouth reconstructions, Dr. Forth is the dentist to see if you are missing teeth.

What are dental implants?

Diagram of dental implant.Dental implants are small titanium rods that are implanted into the jaw to replace a lost tooth. The rod actually bonds with the bony tissue of the jaw to form a strong base to support an artificial tooth. This artificial root is very close to the support provided by a natural tooth root. Once the titanium implant is placed and given time to bond, a custom-designed porcelain crown is placed over the top of the root form that extends out of the jaw. Once the crown is placed, it can be very hard to even tell there is an artificial tooth there. Dental implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.

Dental implants versus dentures

Dental implants have several advantages over traditional dentures or partial bridges when it comes to replacing missing teeth. First, because the tooth is rooted in the jawbone, the replacement tooth or teeth are very strong and durable. This allows the person to bite and chew normally, unlike patients with normal dentures who often suffer reduced biting and chewing strength. They won't slide out of place or fall out.

More importantly, dental implants prevent the gradual deterioration of the jawbone that happens when teeth are lost permanently. Whenever a tooth is completely missing (root included), the body senses that the jawbone is not needed to support a tooth at that point and starts to resorb the calcium and other minerals for use elsewhere. In patients who have lost all or most of their teeth, this leads to a condition known as facial collapse.

Significant deterioration of the jawbone over time will mean that patients must repeatedly get new dentures fitted as they are unable to wear the ones they have. Once facial collapse ensues, they likely will not be able to wear dentures at all. This can cause serious health issues beyond just the impact to their appearance and their oral health.

What does getting implants involve?

Getting dental implants involves two stages of treatment. The initial placement of the implant or implants is done by an oral surgeon, who surgically implants the titanium pieces into the jaw. They are then covered by temporary crowns while the jawbone heals around the new tooth "roots."

Once the area is completely healed and the new roots are strong enough, Dr. Forth will place custom-designed and fitted porcelain crowns over the implants. These crowns will completely match the surrounding teeth in color and shape. Going forward, the patient will care for these implants in the same way he or she would any natural tooth with a crown.

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