Losing a tooth can happen to anyone. It may have already happened to you. Whether it’s due to an extraction, disease or trauma, something as small as a missing tooth can have a big impact on your quality of life.
Missing teeth – even just one permanent tooth – can affect everything from your physical wellbeing to your confidence. Daily tasks such as speaking or eating may become difficult when you are missing teeth. You may develop a sense of self-consciousness about your missing teeth that drives you to stop smiling. Extra space from even a single missing tooth can cause your other teeth to shift out of place. And when your jaw bones are left unsupported and unstimulated by the tooth’s roots, you can suffer bone loss and even your face can begin to change, making you look older than you actually are.
Luckily, dental implants can help you prevent all of this from happening!
Why Not a Bridge?
You may be concerned that a dental implant is too expensive, but unlike other replacement options, an implant is designed to withstand the test of time.
Some people choose to have a fixed bridge as a solution to one or multiple missing teeth. Bridges usually require replacement once every seven to fifteen years and often require cutting down healthy teeth on either side to make room for the bridge. A bridge rests above the gum line, but does nothing to stimulate your jaw below.
Dental implants will function as a working tooth, and because the post of the implant is situated in the bone, it works the jaw to prevent bone loss. Implants are low-maintenance and durable, requiring the same cleaning and care as your natural teeth.
What is a Dental Implant?
Just like your teeth, a dental implant consists of two parts; the crown and the root. The crown is what you think of as your tooth, the part above the surface of your gums. The root holds the crown in place and is below the gum line.
The “root” for an implant is a small titanium post with tiny ridges like a screw that helps hold it in place once your bone grows around it. Titanium is the best material to use because it is biologically inert—meaning it won’t react to the chemistry in your body.
The crown for an implant is just like a regular crown your dentist would make for you, and will look, feel and function like a regular tooth. The final crown is custom made for your smile.
The Implant Procedure
The process of getting an implant takes about four steps and may take between five and seven months to complete.
- A small titanium post is inserted into the jaw bone during a minor in-office surgical procedure.
- The jaw will heal for up to six months. During this time, your bone will grow around the ridges of the post (a process called osseointegration). A temporary snap-on tooth can be arranged for you to wear until we’re ready to place your final crown, at an additional cost.
- Once you’ve healed, we’ll uncover the post and attach a small metal piece, called an abutment, to the implant. This is what will hold the final crown in place.
- A custom crown will be created for you in our labs and we will attach it to the abutment.
Note: You should expect to come back for multiple check-ups so we can make sure you are healing correctly and the implant is secure.
The Cost of Implants
Implants are an investment. Like a good car, they’re designed to last, if cared for correctly.
While dentures or bridges may initially seem cheaper, they will have to be. Over time, replacing such appliances will cost you more time and money than investing in your smile with implants.
Also, don’t count out your insurance coverage! Some dental insurances DO cover implants, so check with yours to see what your dental implant benefits are!
And we want to help, too! That’s why now through December 31st, 2017, we’re offering a total single implant with crown and abutment for $2799—a $4200 value.
If you’re ready to take your smile back, call one of Dental Depot office below and schedule your consultation today. Our doctors will take comprehensive images and determine if an implant is right for you.
- Central OKC
- Midwest City
- West OKC
- Yukon
- Tulsa
- South Tulsa
- Broken Arrow
Missing Multiple Teeth?
If you’re missing an entire arch and already have a denture, implants may still be a good option for you. Implant supported dentures usually use two to four posts to secure a denture in place so you don’t have to worry about slipping, removal or any more of that adhesive. In the case of dentures, only the posts are placed and the denture will snap into place. This technique can be used on both upper and lower dentures.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to loose dentures, we’re also offering two implants with an existing single denture for $3899, or two implants with a new single denture for $4899.