05 Jan How An Oral Surgeon Can Restore Your Smile With Dental Implants
Patients who need to restore their smiles after experiencing tooth loss are advised to consult with an oral surgeon to see if dental implants might be the right treatment for them. This intervention offers the only structurally complete tooth replacement, which is associated with a variety of benefits.
Don’t delay in scheduling your dental implant consultation, as procrastinating for too long can actually present challenges in dental implant treatment. Call us today to set up an appointment for an evaluation.
How Dental Implant Technology Works
Dental implants are small cylinders made of biocompatible titanium. This means that bone tissue is capable of forming a strong bond with a dental implant after an oral surgeon inserts it into the jaw. After it is completed, that osseointegration process leaves the dental implant as a fixture in the jaw.
Essentially, dental implants serve as artificial tooth roots after they are fully integrated into the bone tissue in the jaw. Dental implants can be used to support the following appliances, depending on the patient’s needs:
- Single crown
- Dental bridge
- Denture
As such, dental implants are helpful in a variety of tooth loss scenarios.
Dental Implant Treatment: What to Expect
Unlike conventional tooth replacement appliances, dental implants do require a surgical procedure, so it’s important to be prepared for that. The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting and its length will depend on how many implants are being placed.
Because dental implant placement involves surgery, patients must be in good enough health to tolerate the procedure and must be free of any active gum disease.
The patient must also have sufficient bone at the implant site for osseointegration to complete. Bone loss can be an obstacle to dental implant placement, but bone grafting can overcome this obstacle. This preliminary procedure adds months to the treatment timeline, but that time is well-invested.
Your oral surgeon will advise you whether bone grafting is needed after evaluating your case.
Why You Should Choose Dental Implants
So, why are an increasing number of patients opting for dental implants to address tooth loss? This intervention has numerous advantages over standard bridges and dentures, including greater:
- Stability
- Durability
- Convenience
- Comfort
- Functionality
Dental implants can be beneficial in many ways in your life, so you may want to explore this treatment option if you’ve experienced tooth loss. Call Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates to ask any questions you may have or to schedule your consultation.