Dental implants have been restoring smiles and changing lives since the 1960s and have continued to evolve over time to become the highly successful and popular treatment they are today. First introduced by Swedish surgeon Per-Ingvar Branemark, dental implants are the first dental restorations designed to fuse with the bone and mimic the structure and function of natural teeth.

Unlike dentures and bridges, which can slip and slide, dental implants are a permanent solution that looks and feels just like your natural teeth. Not only are they the most natural-looking option available today, but they’re also built to last a lifetime with proper care. 

If you’re looking for a permanent, strong, and visually appealing solution to your missing teeth, dental implants are the way to go. Contact our Bartlesville, OK office today to see if you’re a good candidate for this life-changing treatment.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the latest innovations in modern dentistry that allow patients to regain their smiles following the loss of one or more teeth. Rather than simply resting on the surface of the gum tissue, implants integrate into the natural anatomy and utilize the jaw structure for support. As a result, the restoration looks and feels completely natural. Here are just a few of the many reasons why you should consider dental implants:

• They’re permanent. Unlike dentures, which must be regularly refitted and eventually replaced, dental implants are a permanent solution that looks and feels just like your natural teeth.
• They’re strong. Dental implants are capable of restoring the full-bite force, so patients can once again enjoy their favorite foods.
• They’re natural-looking. Dental implants are the most aesthetically pleasing option available today.
• They’re convenient. Dental implants don’t require special care or cleaning solutions like dentures and bridges do. You can brush and floss them just like your natural teeth.

Single Implants

Single implants are implants designed to restore a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth within separate areas of the mouth. Unlike a traditional dental bridge, the implant doesn’t require the support of adjacent teeth. Instead, the restoration derives its support directly from the jawbone. This is achieved by the support of three separate components: the implant post, abutment, and dental crown. 

• The post is placed directly into the jawbone during a surgical procedure. Once it has fused with the bone (a process called osseointegration), the post becomes a permanent part of your mouth. 
• An abutment is then placed on top of the post. This is a small connector piece that helps to secure the dental crown. 
• The custom-made crown is placed over the abutment and is designed to look and function just like your natural tooth. 

This type of support is clinically proven to provide superior results in both the short- and long-term, making single implants one of the best options for tooth replacement. Accordingly, in the short-term, single implants offer greater comfort and stability than other options. In the long term, they help to preserve healthy bone tissue and prevent further tooth loss. 

If you are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth within separate areas of your mouth, talk to our team about whether single dental implants are right for you.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Unlike single dental implants, implant-supported bridges are capable of restoring multiple missing teeth in a sequence—supported by only two dental implants. Rather than placing implants for each individual lost tooth, the implant-supported bridge allows for multiple teeth to be replaced with the support of a single implant on either side of the gap. This helps to ensure the stability of the prosthesis while also cutting down on treatment time and cost. 

One of the many benefits of implant-supported bridges is that they are much more stable than traditional dentures or even fixed bridges, which can often slip or become loose over time. This can be a major advantage for patients who have difficulty eating or speaking due to their dental restoration. Additionally, implant-supported bridges help to preserve the natural shape of your face by preventing the sunken-in appearance that often occurs with tooth loss. 

If you are considering an implant-supported bridge, it is important to consult with our qualified dental professionals to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. In general, patients who have good oral health and sufficient bone density in their jaw are suitable candidates for dental implants.