Our teeth are incredibly important to our smiles. They help us chew food, aid us in speaking, and shape our smiles. While your pearly whites can withstand a lot of pressure from daily activities, they are not immune to damage or loss. Common problems like cavities and advanced periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, which can cause significant changes to your oral health. Luckily, your Stillwater, OK, oral surgeons offer a type of prosthetic solution that can replace your missing structures and protect your oral health.
Periodontal disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss for adults today. You can avoid this infection by taking proper care of your teeth and gums. Remember to brush and floss twice a day and visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup. If you notice a decline in your oral health, talk to your dentist as soon as possible. If you have lost one or more of your teeth, your dentist can find a solution to help replace your missing ones.
There are several options available to replace missing teeth. Traditional dentures may be used to recreate an entire arch of your smile, or a bridge can be used to replace a few structures in the same row. These methods may help, but they don’t provide the extra support your jaw may need and can take multiple visits. Patients who qualify may be able to get all-on-4 implants, also known as teeth in a day, which use four strategically placed posts to secure your bridge in place. They offer the benefits of a lifelike dental bridge that blends in with your smile, as well as the long-term security of implants. Additionally, instead of needing multiple appointments over the span of a few months, you can leave our office with a new smile in just one day.
This prosthetic option is fairly low maintenance and does not need to be removed, since it is secured in place with implants. You will continue to follow your regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing twice a day. Your dentist can give you advice on carefully cleaning around the bridge to ensure your gums are properly cleaned. Remember to also visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup. Your all-on-4 implants should last for many years and improve functions like chewing, talking, and more.
If you have lost several of your teeth, you could be a possible candidate for all-on-4 implants. To learn more about this treatment or to schedule a consultation, call our Stillwater, OK, office today at (405) 624-1300