Dental Implants

Dental Implant Procedures in Greater Oklahoma City

If you are missing one or more teeth, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible. If you don’t replace your missing teeth, your natural teeth may begin shifting into the empty spaces left behind. This can change the alignment of your bite, cause pain and discomfort, and affect your ability to speak and chew. At Oklahoma City Dentistry, Dr. Samad Benbajja, DDS, offers a range of restorative and cosmetic dentistry options for improving oral health, restoring smiles, and replacing missing teeth, including dental implants in the Greater Oklahoma City area.
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Dentist Explaining Tooth Implantation to woman patient in Oklahoma City

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a restorative dentistry procedure that replaces one or more missing teeth. Dental implants act as the tooth root for your missing tooth and create a stable foundation for a prosthetic tooth, dental bridge, or dentures. Dental implants are rods that are made from titanium or zirconia. They are inserted into the jawbone and eventually fuse with the jawbone as you heal. They offer a long-term, natural-looking alternative to natural teeth.

Who Needs Dental Implants?

You may need dental implants if you have suffered from an injury, infection, disease, or illness that has affected the health of your teeth or caused tooth loss. We recommend dental implants to patients who have:

  • Lost one or more teeth or an entire arch of teeth
  • Severe periodontal disease, tooth decay, or infection that requires a tooth extraction
  • Broken, chipped, or damaged teeth due to injury, trauma, disease, or bruxism
  • An illness or disease that has affected the strength or health of their teeth
  • Been on medication that has caused severe damage to their teeth
  • A congenital condition that affected the development of their teeth

What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?

Dental implants consist of three parts: a threaded post that is made of titanium or zirconia and is inserted into your jawbone, an abutment that extends above your jawline and acts as the foundation for your new tooth, and your dental prosthetic or artificial tooth, which is attached to the abutment. The most common types of dental implants are:

  • Endosteal – Endosteal implants are placed directly into the jawbone and are the safest alternative to dentures or bridges.
  • Subperiosteal – Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the jawbone.
  • Zygomatic – Zygomatic implants are complex and typically only used for patients with significant jawbone loss.
  • Single Tooth Implants – Single tooth implants replace just one missing tooth.
  • Implant-Supported Dentures or Bridges – Implant-supported dentures or dental bridges are also called fixed bridges or fixed dentures. They are not removable. Dental implants are used on either side of the missing teeth to support the prosthetic teeth, and a dental bridge or dentures are then fixed into place.
  • All-on-4 Dental Implants or Full Mouth Dental Implants – All-on-4 dental implants use four implants on each arch to provide support for an upper or lower arch dental restoration like dentures or a dental bridge. The procedure can usually be done in just one day. Full-mouth dental implants are used to replace an entire mouth of missing teeth and consist of two dental bridges or a set of dentures supported by dental implants.
Woman smiling happily after her dental implant surgery in Oklahoma City.

Consultation for Dental Implants

Before you undergo a dental implant procedure, you will have a consultation with Dr. B and our team of dental specialists. Dr. B will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw. He will take dental x-rays and may take digital dental impressions. He will ask about your lifestyle, oral hygiene routine, medical history, and previous dental work. He will use this information to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Dr. B will also let you know if you need any oral surgery procedures to prepare your mouth, such as a tooth extraction or bone grafting.

What to Expect From the Dental Implant Procedure

During dental implant surgery, you will be under dental sedation to ensure your comfort. Dr. B will make a small incision in your gums to expose the bone. He will create a small hole in the bone and place the dental implant into your jaw. He will then use dissolvable stitches to close the incision. Most people need to wait three to six months for their mouth to fully heal before moving on to the next stage of the dental implant process. Once your jawbone has fused around your implant, Dr. B will attach the abutment and dental restoration. This procedure usually only takes about an hour and is generally nonsurgical.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are a safe, effective, long-term option to replace missing teeth. If you don’t replace your missing teeth, you may develop complications, including jawbone loss, malocclusion, speech impediment, trouble chewing, and deformity of the face or jaw. The benefits of getting dental implants are:

  •  Improved appearance and self-esteem

  • Improved chewing and eating functions
  • Improved speech and enunciation
  • Preservation of your jawbone
  • Long-term prosthetics that can last for decades with proper care
  • Reduced risk of pain or discomfort
  • Improved oral health

Why Choose Oklahoma City Dentistry

Dr. B and our team at Oklahoma City Dentistry are skilled dental professionals with years of experience and extensive knowledge and training. Each member undergoes continuous training and professional development to provide patients with the latest dental treatments.

  • In-House Treatment – All treatments are performed here in our office.
  • Sedation Dentistry – We alleviate patients' nerves with safe, approved sedatives.
  • After-Hours Appointments – Get the dental care you need on evenings and weekends.

Schedule a Consultation for Dental Implants

At Oklahoma City Dentistry, we understand that every patient has unique needs. Some patients want to improve their smile's appearance and aesthetics, while others need urgent care for a significant oral health condition. Regardless of why you need a dentist, our team can develop a personalized solution based on your goals. During your first consultation, we'll discuss what you want for your smile and begin creating a personalized treatment plan to achieve what you desire. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a consultation for dental implants in the Greater Oklahoma City area.

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