Your natural teeth are designed to last for a lifetime, but unfortunately, that does not always happen. More than 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and another 35 million do not have any teeth remaining. You now have multiple options to complete your smile; however, only one solution closely mimics your natural teeth. Dental implants allow you to enjoy long-term, successful results to restore your oral health and your overall quality of life. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jamie Guthrie for dental implants in Ardmore, OK.
Dental implants are small titanium cylinders meant to recreate the roots of lost teeth (the part that is ordinarily embedded beneath the gumline). These posts are surgically placed in the jaw and then allowed to fuse with the bone and tissue surrounding it over the next four to six months. Once this process of osseointegration has occurred, Dr. Guthrie can secure a dental crown, bridge, or denture onto your implants to seamlessly bring back any number of lost teeth.
Because of their unique structure that rebuilds missing teeth from the roots up, dental implants are able to look, feel, and function exactly like natural teeth. Plus, they can last for a lifetime if you take good care of them. It’s no wonder dentist and patients alike love dental implants!
First, Dr. Guthrie will need to determine whether you’re a viable candidate for dental implants. Because implants are placed directly into the jawbone, they require adequate bone structure and generally good oral health. Your new implant(s) will need to be surgically inserted into the bone. For this part of the procedure, Dr. Guthrie will recommend you to a trusted surgical specialist who is actually located right across the street from our office. Once the implants are securely in place, nature will take over. Over time, your natural tissue will gradually bond with the implants, creating a durable foundation for replacement teeth. Finally, you’ll return to Dr. Guthrie’s office so that she can design and place customized restorations on top of the implants, completing your new and improved smile.
Dental implants in Ardmore offer a wealth of advantages for patients who are missing any number of teeth. Some of the most considerable benefits of this tooth replacement option include:
An incomplete smile causes you to appear several years older than your true age, but there is another factor influencing how you look. When you lose a tooth, the missing root causes your jawbone to deteriorate. Over time, your facial structures shrink, leading to premature wrinkling and sagging of your skin. Dental implants in Ardmore stimulate your jaw to encourage new bone growth to protect your facial structures and help you maintain a youthful appearance.
Although other tooth replacement options restore your ability to chew, there are still several foods you need to avoid. Dental implants fuse with your jawbone to closely feel like natural teeth. You will regain as much as 70% of your biting force while never needing to worry about slipping or irritation again. You can enjoy your favorite foods to maintain a balanced diet.
By stimulating your jawbone, any remaining natural teeth have the support they need to stay in place to stop dental drift because dental implants preserve your bone density. This decreases your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and additional tooth loss. Not to mention, you do not need to alter any healthy teeth to support the prosthetics to protect your oral health.
You care for dental implants just as you do your natural teeth; however, you need to spend more time cleaning around the abutments and the implant posts to remove bacteria and plaque. You will not need expensive cleaning solutions, and you can skip the hassle of a lengthy oral hygiene process.
You will feel confident when speaking and eating because your replacement teeth stay firmly in place. You can also smile without any concern since all-ceramic restorations make your new smile look natural.
Dental implants have over a 95% success rate if you care for them properly. This gives you a long-term solution that can last for several decades. You will enjoy a treatment that is cost-effective because you never need to worry about having them replaced.
It does not matter how many teeth you have lost or from where in the jaw they are missing; dental implants can replace them all. They’re also versatile enough for most healthy adults to qualify for them.
One missing tooth can be replaced with a single crown affixed on top of a sturdy dental implant post. This option is preferable to a fixed bridge because it does not require the alteration of the surrounding teeth.
A bridge can be secured on a strategic number of dental implant posts. By filling in the gaps and stabilizing your jawbone, this option prevents the movement of the surrounding teeth while also preserving bone to help you keep your smile complete.
Patients who are missing an entire arch of teeth in the upper or lower jaw can benefit from an implant-supported denture, which provides far superior stability and comfort than the traditional option.
There is no fixed price for dental implants, so the only way to find out for sure just what yours will cost is to schedule an appointment with our office. When you do, we will go over all of the factors that contribute to the cost of dental implants in Ardmore. No matter the cost of your dental implant procedure, remember – they are well-worth the investment!
There are many smaller steps that lead to a flawlessly repaired smile following a complex implant-supported tooth replacement plan, but the price of dental implant posts represents the majority of treatment pricing. In fact, a single implant may cost $500 to $3000 on average, and in some cases, the cost of implants is even higher. Unfortunately, your dental insurance provider will not likely offer coverage for implants or their placement, but you may receive some dental insurance benefits for other parts of your treatment plan. Additionally, many dental implant manufacturers provide a discounted price when patients need more than one implant.
In addition to the price of the dental implant posts, there are a number of other factors that may increase the overall price of your implant supported tooth replacement plan, including:
Before we begin your dental implant supported tooth replacement plan, one of our knowledgeable dentistry team members will walk you through every step of the process, the price of each phase of treatment, and explain out-of-pocket costs for each procedure. Some of the ways we help patients fit treatment into their budgets include:
Beginning complicated dental care plans can be stressful for patients. However, taking the time to ask all of your questions can alleviate the anxiety from even the most advanced treatment plans. At the Ardmore dental office of Dr. Jamie Guthrie, we always want our patients to feel completely comfortable before we begin any dental care plan, especially when the treatment requires a large time and financial commitment. Please don’t ever hesitate to call our team or ask us for more information during your appointments. Below, we’ve provided the answers to some of those dental implant questions we hear most often, but you should feel free to reach out to us at any time to find out more, as this is by no means a comprehensive list. We’re always happy to help!
Dental implants are small posts used to replace missing tooth roots. Once the implants are surgically placed below the gums, they fuse with the supportive bone and gum tissue, creating a stable foundation for any number of replacement teeth.
Dental implants can be crafted from a variety of materials, including metals and ceramics. The two most popular options are titanium and zirconia. Titanium has long been used as part of bone repair treatment, and zirconia offers an effective option for patients who have metal allergies or sensitivities.
Dental implants are surgically positioned beneath the gumline. The procedure is relatively noninvasive. We make a small incision in the gums. Then, the implant post is positioned into the jaw, creating a strong bond to support replacement teeth.
The number of dental implants needed depends on your unique situation, but we will typically recommend:
Dental implant-supported replacement teeth can last two or more decades without needing to be repaired or replaced. Many patients keep their restoration for the rest of their lives.
The cost of your dental implant tooth replacement plan will vary based on the number of missing teeth, location of implant placement, type of implant post material, and size of the dental implant. While offering an estimated cost without knowing your specific situation will not be very helpful, we would be happy to walk you through all of the costs of dental implant supported tooth replacement to help you budget for your restoration plan.
In most cases, dental insurance will not cover the costs of your implants and their surgical placement. However, many benefit policies do provide coverage for other parts of the implant supported tooth replacement process, including preparatory tooth extractions, replacement teeth, and dental sedation. We will help you maximize this coverage to offset the costs of your dental implant tooth replacement plan.
Your new dental implants can be enjoyed for the rest of your life! However, it’s crucial that you are taking all of the proper steps to care for them. If you aren’t protecting your implants from damage and infection, you could end up with a dental implant failure. Here are some precautions and healthy habits for you to implement. This way, you can keep your new and improved smile healthy for many years to come!
Dental implants can’t get cavities, but you still need to practice excellent oral hygiene! You can still develop gum disease and cavities in your natural teeth. Remember to brush twice and floss every day. Rinse with mouthwash to keep your smile extra fresh.
You don’t need to restrict your diet when you have dental implants. This means that you can eat a full, nutritious diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals. Be careful not to overindulge in foods that are particularly hard, sticky, or sugary. Eat foods with plenty of calcium and vitamin C to keep your jawbone strong and your gum tissue healthy.
Bad dental habits can cause your dental implants to break or fail. Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco products. Don’t use your teeth as tools either. Instead, find scissors, a bottle opener, or another item to help you complete your task safely.
Your dental implants are strong, but not indestructible. Always wear a mouthguard when engaging in contact sports. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, ask your dentist about solutions, like a custom nightguard.
You should continue to see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups every six months. This way, we can continue to monitor your dental implants. If we notice any issues, we will address them as soon as possible.