How do dental implants work? They replace the tooth root, providing a stable, permanent foundation for crowns or bridges that look and feel completely natural.
A gap in your smile does more than just affect your appearance in photos. It changes the mechanics of your mouth, altering how you chew, speak, and interact with others. Missing teeth often lead to hidden issues below the gum line, such as jawbone deterioration and the shifting of remaining teeth. At OKC Smiles, we help patients address these challenges head-on with restorative solutions designed to bring back full function and aesthetics.
Why Dental Implants Feel Like Real Teeth
The primary difference between dental implants and other restoration methods lies below the surface. While traditional bridges or dentures sit on top of the gums, a dental implant replaces the actual tooth root. A small titanium post is gently placed into the jawbone, where it eventually fuses with the bone tissue.
This process, known as osseointegration, creates a solid foundation that mimics the stability of a natural tooth. Because the implant is anchored securely, it eliminates the movement often associated with other dental appliances. This integration ensures that biting and chewing feel natural, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without hesitation.
A Permanent Alternative to Dentures
For decades, removable dentures were the standard for replacing missing teeth, but they often come with complaints about slipping, clicking sounds, and messy adhesives. Implant-supported solutions change this dynamic entirely. By anchoring the restoration directly to the jawbone, implants provide a level of security that removable options cannot match.
This stability restores bite strength significantly. Where denture wearers might struggle with tough or crunchy foods, implant patients can eat a varied, nutritious diet with ease. There is no need for removal at night or special soaking solutions, making the daily routine simple and convenient.
Versatile Solutions for Every Smile
Implants are not a one-size-fits-all procedure; they are a flexible tool used to treat various degrees of tooth loss. If you are missing a single tooth, an implant topped with a custom crown fills the gap without requiring alterations to adjacent healthy teeth. This preserves the integrity of your natural smile while solving the problem.
For those missing several teeth, implants can support a bridge, spanning the gap with strength and durability. Even patients missing an entire arch of teeth can benefit from implant-supported dentures. In these cases, a few strategically placed implants secure a full denture, combining the coverage of a denture with the stability of fixed roots.
Built for Strength, Comfort, and Confidence
Beyond the immediate functional benefits, implants play a crucial role in maintaining facial structure. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to recede due to a lack of stimulation. Implants provide that necessary stimulation, preventing the sunken facial appearance often seen with long-term tooth loss.
Modern dental technology also ensures that the final restoration matches your natural teeth perfectly. The crowns or bridges attached to the implants are crafted to blend seamlessly with your existing smile in both color and shape. This attention to detail means that the result looks as authentic as it feels.
What the Implant Journey Looks Like
The process begins with a personalized consultation to assess bone health and plan the placement. Following the gentle placement of the implant post, a healing period allows the bone to bond with the titanium. Once integrated, the final custom restoration is attached, completing the transformation.
Restore More Than Teeth—Restore Confidence
Waiting to address missing teeth can lead to further bone loss and more complex dental issues down the road. A complete smile supports long-term oral health and boosts self-esteem. As a trusted provider for patients in Oklahoma City, Norman, and Moore, our team is ready to help you reclaim your smile.
Contact OKC Smiles:
405-634-7303
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
13900 S Western, Suite 300
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
73170