Dental implants in Oklahoma City, OK, are one of the best replacement options for patients who have lost one tooth or several teeth. Whether teeth have declined due to damage, decay, a genetic issue, or even a facial injury, this versatile treatment can be used to restore oral function and aesthetics. Dental implants are an appealing option because they completely restore the missing tooth, from root to crown. The design can be used to restore a single tooth, replace multiple teeth as part of a bridge, or even support a full arch of missing teeth.
At Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma, our highly skilled surgeons are experts in the placement of dental implants and perform this treatment routinely in our practice. Drs. Robert Bryan and Jeremy Goodson are specialists in the placement of dental implants and have undergone extensive training to complete this procedure at our office in Oklahoma City.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a three-part appliance used to restore missing teeth. Its unique design mimics the structure of a natural tooth and provides the support needed to chew, speak, and smile with ease. The implant post is the first piece placed in the mouth and acts in the same manner as the missing tooth root. It integrates with the jaw during the healing period and continues to stimulate jaw growth and health throughout the life of the implant. The crown is custom-made to blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth, looking just like a natural tooth. When the dental implant post has healed, the crown is placed and secured to the post with the abutment. Once complete, the restoration can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene and routine dental checkups.
Placing Dental Implants
The first step in the restoration process is to see Drs. Bryan and Goodson for an initial consultation. During this appointment, we will present you with all your options for tooth replacement, including dental implants, and assist you in making the best decision to meet your oral health goals. We will complete a thorough oral examination and X-ray evaluation of the missing tooth site to develop a personalized treatment plan for your procedure.
In some circumstances, patients require additional procedures, such as tooth extraction or bone grafting, to prepare the mouth for dental implant placement. When this is the case, patients sometimes require a separate procedure before placing the dental implant. During the first surgical procedure, the oral surgeon places the dental implant post into the missing tooth socket. We offer a broad range of sedation options to make patients feel comfortable throughout this surgery.
During the healing period, the dental implant post integrates with the jaw bone, creating a sturdy base for the rest of the restoration. This allows patients to function as though they have natural teeth, chewing tough foods like steak, biting into apples, and cleaning their teeth with routine dental hygiene habits. When the dental implants have integrated with the bone fully, the restorative dentist will fabricate the final crown, place it in the mouth, and secure it to the post using the abutment.
Cost of Dental Implants in Oklahoma City, OK
Many patients ask, “What is the cost of dental implants?” At Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma, we strive to provide the highest quality dental implants at a rate that is competitive in the Oklahoma City metro area. The final cost of your dental implant procedure will be dependent on many factors, including the number of implants placed, your insurance coverage, your desired anesthetic, and the need for any additional procedures, such as bone grafting.
During your initial consultation, we will provide you with all your options for tooth replacement and develop a personalized treatment plan to suit your oral health needs. If dental implants are right for you, a member of our team will walk you through all the associated costs and payment options for your procedure. Some patients qualify for special third-party financing to assist with the payments.
The Value of Dental Implants
It is important to understand that dental implants provide the best long-term value when restoring missing teeth. That is why they are one of the most popular options selected by patients and come highly recommended by oral surgeons across the country. Patients who choose dental implants over other replacement options enjoy the following benefits:
- Stability. Patients can eat and speak with confidence, knowing that their implants are securely integrated with their jaw bone.
- A natural looking smile. The crown is custom-made to blend with the natural teeth, allowing patients to smile with ease.
- A permanent solution. Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene habits and routine dental checkups.
- A healthy mouth and jaw bone. Dental implants stimulate the jaw bone, preventing bone loss and dental shifting.
With proper care, patients do not need to undergo future procedures or investments to replace their implants, unlike other restorative options. By investing in dental implants early, patients can enjoy cost savings over time and revel in all the rewards of a beautiful new smile.
Tooth Replacement Options
Researching restorative solutions for missing or damaged teeth can be difficult to navigate. With so many options available, how do you know which is the best for your unique oral health situation? Oral surgeons are experts in restoring missing teeth and can provide you with guidance on the best solution for your needs. At Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma, we strive to be a resource to patients who are asking these very same questions in the Oklahoma City metro area.
We have outlined below many of the options available to patients searching for restorative work. If you are interested in learning more, we encourage you to schedule an initial consultation at our practice. We will assess your oral health and assist you in determining which solution will meet your treatment goals.
Dental Implants
Features:
- Improves smiles and aesthetics
- Replaces one tooth, multiple teeth, or a full arch of teeth
- No removable pieces
- Prevents bone loss and dental shifting
- Increases comfort in chewing, speaking, and breathing
- Provides a permanent solution for your dental arch with proper care
Dental implants are a complete solution, restoring the entire missing tooth with their unique three-part design. The implant post acts as a replacement root and integrates firmly with the jaw. The custom-made crown blends seamlessly with the rest of the healthy teeth in the mouth. Held together by the final piece, the abutment, a dental implant provides a strong foundation for oral functions, such as chewing.
Unlike many options, dental implants are not removable, and patients often forget they even have an implant in their mouth. This also allows patients to easily brush and floss their implant as a part of their normal oral hygiene routine. And, with proper care and attention, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Full-Arch Restoration
Features:
- No removable parts
- Replaces an entire arch of missing teeth
- Prevents bone loss in the jaw
- Improves facial appearance and restores smile
- Eat and drink more easily
- A sturdy foundation, without the need for adhesives
A full-arch restoration is a transformational procedure used to restore an entire upper or lower arch of teeth. The new set of teeth is fixed firmly in the mouth using a sturdy foundation of four or more dental implants. Most appealing to patients is that many times, a temporary set of teeth can be fixed to the implants after placement, allowing them to smile again immediately.
The dental implant base allows patients to maintain a healthy jaw bone, as they act as replacements for the missing tooth roots. Best of all, they secure the new teeth in the mouth, avoiding the use of adhesives to keep the teeth in place. If you are searching for a fixed solution to restore an entire arch of teeth, full-arch restoration is an excellent option to consider.
Bridges
Features:
- Secure replacement treatment connected to your original teeth
- No removable pieces
- Long-lasting, but require replacement treatments later
- Improve the ability to eat and drink easily
- Increase confidence in smiling
Bridges are a commonly used treatment option used to replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth in a row. A bridge is prosthetic of three or more attached teeth which are attached to two healthy teeth on either end for support. Traditionally, the healthy teeth used to support the bridge must be ground down for the bridge to lay in line with the rest of the teeth in the arch. This new set of teeth bridges the gap over the area that the teeth were missing, allowing patients to eat and smile again.
It is important to know that bridges do not stimulate the jaw bone where the tooth is missing, which can result in bone deterioration over time. They can also wear down with use and often must be replaced in the future.
Dentures
Features:
- No dental shifting
- Option to receive removable teeth
- Partial and full denture options
- Increase the ability to eat, drink, and breathe comfortably
- Semi-permanent replacement solution
Dentures are the most widely known treatment option to restore a full arch of missing teeth. Removable dentures have been in use for decades, and advances in prosthodontics and dental laboratory techniques allow patients to get a better fit than ever before. Dentures are a cost-effective option and many patients who enjoy a removable restoration choose this route. Oral surgeons are specialists in performing pre-prosthetic surgery which shapes the jaw to ensure a comfortable denture fit.
Dental Implants FAQ
How long does the dental implant procedure take?
There are many factors to consider when estimating your treatment time. The number of dental implants placed, the position of the missing teeth, the health of your mouth, and the need for additional treatments, such as bone grafting, will all play into this estimate. Typically, your oral surgeon places the implant post during a single surgical procedure. Patients undergoing this procedure with local anesthesia can often return to work the day of surgery. Patients who select IV sedation should expect to rest for the remainder of the day.
Following the surgery, it usually takes three to four months for the implant to integrate with the jaw bone. Once we have confirmed that the implant is strong and fully healed, the restorative dentist will place the crown in a final appointment. When you visit our practice for your initial consultation, we will develop a treatment plan personalized to your oral health needs. This will determine the length of your treatment, and we will provide you with all of the information needed for a smooth restorative process.
What if there is not enough bone left to place a dental implant properly?
Patients who have been missing teeth for an extended period often experience jaw bone loss. This occurs because the tooth root is not present to stimulate the growth of healthy bone. Advances in implant dentistry now allow us to address this issue and provide patients with a solution to their restorative needs.
We offer a wide variety of bone grafting options to restore lost bone, including socket preservation, sinus lift procedures, and ridge preservation, and much more. Now, more than ever, it is possible to restore missing teeth with dental implants. During your initial consultation, we will complete 3D imaging to assess the height and width of your jaw bone and develop a treatment plan for successful implant placement.
Is the dental implant surgery painful?
At Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma City, our team wants every patient to feel relaxed and comfortable during treatment. We offer many anesthetic options to ease any discomfort associated with surgery. Many simple procedures can be performed using local anesthesia. IV sedation is also a fantastic option for patients who wish to rest comfortably during the treatment. Sometimes, surgeons elect to use nitrous oxide in combination with either option to ease any anxiety associated with surgery. Drs. Bryan and Goodson have undergone extensive training in the administration of anesthesia and in monitoring patients during surgery to ensure a comfortable and safe surgical experience.
What is recovery like for dental implant procedures?
We aim to provide patients with safe and effective treatment to ensure an efficient and comfortable recovery process. Most patients report returning to work quickly after surgery, with minimal pain and swelling. We also require patients to brush carefully around the implant and to avoid eating certain foods during the healing period. During your initial consultation, we will instruct you on proper post-surgical care for your mouth. Following these guidelines will be critical in providing you with an easy recovery from surgery and successful implant integration.
Dental Implants in Oklahoma City, OK
Dental implant placement is one of the most successful restorative techniques used to replace missing, broken, or damaged teeth. They have become an attractive option for patients to consider because they look, feel, and act like natural, healthy teeth. And, when cared for properly, dental implants can last a lifetime. If you are interested in dental implants, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Bryan and Dr. Jeremy Goodson at our office in Oklahoma City, OK. We look forward to helping you regain confidence and restoring your smile at Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma.
Dental Implants Reviews
“I had a tooth that went bad, and I was going to lose it, and we couldn’t save the tooth, so when I came to see Dr. Bryan, the dental implant was the way to go. And if I had to do it again, I would do it all over. Well, when I walked in the door to Dr. Bryan’s office, I felt very comfortable with the staff. They made you feel at home, and when I met Dr. Bryan, we just hit it off. He really cared about me, and he took me through the process, and it couldn’t have been better. I had no pain whatsoever throughout the whole experience. I mean, he is a credit to this profession, and I’d highly recommend for anybody to come see him.”DonaldDental Implants Patient
Rating: 5 out of 5stars
“I know Dr. Bryan personally, but I had an emergency tooth extraction that I needed, and I called him, and he saw me the same day and got the tooth out. I had a pleasant experience; I was in and out within an hour or so. I didn’t feel any pain — I didn’t feel anything. And I really don’t know what exactly he gave me, but he gave me a shot in the gums, and when I finally came to, he was done. After he pulled the tooth, we talked about having implant surgery done, and we agreed to do it, and I came in later for a consultation, and the whole process has been wonderful. It’s not just him; it’s the entire office staff — they’re wonderful people. I go to church with Dr. Bryan, so I’ve known him for quite some time, and he and his entire family are just wonderful people. If I knew someone that was needing any kind of oral procedure that required an oral surgeon, I would highly recommend Dr. Rob Bryan. He’s been wonderful.”DanDental Implants Patient
Rating: 5 out of 5stars
“My dental implant surgery was so easy. This staff just makes you so comfortable. Well, the first time you come, of course, they give you the information that you need and all that. Then you get your appointment; you come back. You wake up in the recovery room, it’s over with, there’s no pain. They do send you home with just a few pain pills. I have never taken one. Dr. Bryan has done a couple of implants for my husband. In fact, we are in the process of one right now, and this has just been another fabulous experience here. Together, we have probably had 15–18 implants. We have never had one fail. They just feel so natural, but you know they’re permanent. You know that’s a tooth you don’t have to go back and address. I absolutely would highly recommend the practice here. I have to several of my friends. I tell everybody: If you’ve got to have some oral surgery done — implants or wisdom teeth removed, whatever — I have the greatest people that can do that.”BeverlyDental Implants Patient
Rating: 5 out of 5stars
“My family dentist in Elk City referred me initially to Dr. Bryan to do some implant work. When I met with Dr. Bryan, they went over everything they were going to do. I think they showed videos, and I knew exactly what was going to happen whenever I did have the implant surgery, and so, everything went great. The recovery in my case went really well — very little pain. It really wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. Dr. Bryan really put me at ease when I first met with him. This whole facility — they make you feel comfortable, they make you feel welcome. After the implant surgery, I’ve noticed that my implants do feel like natural teeth. There’s no issues or problems with them. I’m very pleased with them.”TeresaDental Implants Patient
Rating: 5 out of 5stars
“My two front teeth were in dire need of some help, and I heard that they are actually very good at what they do, and they have replaced my two front ones with implants, and I’ve been very pleased with them. I had actually had a crown to begin with, and when the post broke, it would literally completely fall out sometimes when I would talk, so it was a disaster. The staff here is just absolutely wonderful. They’re very caring, very professional. They just really make you feel relaxed when you go back. Oh, Dr. Bryan is just a sweetheart. He comes in singing most of the time. The implants are like my own teeth; you just don’t know that they’re any different. I’m just glad I had a place like this to come to have them done.”CynthiaDental Implants Patient
Rating: 5 out of 5stars
Other dental implants resources:
http://www.productontology.org/id/Dental_implant
http://myoms.org/procedures/dental-implant-surgery
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_implant
https://topdentalimplantsurgeons.com/single-tooth-replacement/