Looking for tooth replacement options for missing or damaged teeth can be difficult to understand. With so many options available, how do you know which is the best for your unique oral health situation? Route 66 Smiles Dentists are experts in restoring missing teeth and can provide you with guidance on the best solution for your needs.
Outlined below are some 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 Route 66 Smiles by calling (405) 494-7227 and talking to a member of our kind dental team.
Here is a listing of general procedures and practices that we get the most questions about.
Dental implant 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 tooth replacement option 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 other options, dental implants are not removable, and patients often forget they even have an implant in their mouth.
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 the 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.
Bridge 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
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. Route 66 Smiles Dentists can ensure a comfortable denture fit.
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, are all considerations in your treatment program. Typically, your VIP Dentist places the implant post during a single surgical procedure. 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, Route 66 Smiles 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 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 dental implant surgery painful?
At VIP dental, our team wants every patient to feel relaxed and comfortable during treatment. We offer many tooth replacement options and anesthetic options to ease any discomfort associated with surgery. Many simple procedures can be performed using local anesthesia.
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 easy recovery from surgery and successful implant integration.