If you lose a tooth, your smile suffers. That's no exaggeration as missing teeth change how you look, eat and speak. Also, your bone structure deteriorates rapidly after dental extraction. What's the solution? At Wallace Family Dentistry in Edmond, OK, it's the dental implant, a replacement tooth from root to crown. Dr. Mike Wallace uses these prosthetics to make smiles good as new.
You can restore your smile
In fact, you should. Fill a smile gap to avoid weakening of remaining teeth, hard and soft tissue recession and of course, embarrassment when you speak, smile and laugh in public. At Wallace Family Dentistry in Edmond, your dentist will review your oral health and present options to replace missing teeth. If you qualify, the innovative dental implant is your best option.
What is a dental implant?
The single-tooth dental implant consists of a titanium root, metal post and porcelain crown. Dr. Wallace does the entire oral surgery right in his Edmond, OK, office. The dental implant procedure is painless (because of a local anesthetic), fast (it takes about an hour to insert the implant into the jaw bone) and effective (dental implants last for decades, says the Institute for Dental Implant Awareness).
The secret to their success and longevity is titanium. Human bone loves it and readily bonds with it through a gradual healing process called osseointegration. While it takes a few months, osseointegration proves invaluable because it makes the dental implant incredibly strong, providing the perfect anchor for the post and crown to follow. Other tooth replacements are not as strong or realistic as the dental implant.
Can you get a dental implant?
If you are basically healthy and have enough bone in the alveolar ridge of your jaw, you can. Dr. Wallace will X-ray your jaw bone to see if the bone is sufficient. If it's not, bone augmentation procedures may build it up.
Also, people who have substantial tooth loss can receive implants. Dentures or bridges, supported by two, four or even six angled implants provide the anchorage your larger prosthetic needs for natural oral function and realistic smile appearance.
Taking care of your new teeth
Long-term retention of your dental implants requires diligent oral hygiene habits. Brush and floss daily, and see Dr. Wallace every six months for a cleaning and check-up.
Just like real teeth, implants can develop periodontal problems at the gum line if too much plaque and tartar accumulate. Also, bruxism, or teeth clenching, can undermine implant stability, and smoking threatens gum and bone health. So, stop all tobacco if possible.
Want to know more?
Yes, knowledge is power where tooth replacement is concerned. Why not call the office team at Wallace Family Dentistry in Edmond, OK, to arrange your implant consultation? Chances are you can successfully rebuild your smile. Phone us at (405) 340-0411.