Dental Implant FAQ Owasso Dental implants represent years of evolution in oral surgery and have significantly improved the quality of life for people who wear them. When applied by skillful dentists like Jillian Prather, DMD, dental implants can restore a person’s facial aesthetics and prevent jawbone decay. However, before a person can undergo dental implant surgery, they may have a few concerns about the procedure. What are Dental Implants?Dental implants are medical devices that are drilled directly into the jawbone and act as an orthodontic anchor for dental prosthetics, such as a bridge, crown, or denture. Most dental implants are made of titanium or zirconium because of their favorable safety profile.Other materials, such as gold alloys and titanium alloys, may also be used depending on the patient’s preferences. The three components of dental implants include the implant screw itself, the abutment that interfaces with the post, and the prosthesis (such as a crown, bridge, or denture). What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?Dental implants closely mimic natural teeth, and most people can never tell the difference between original teeth and implants. Once drilled into the jawbone, dental implants are concealed from view and integrated with the bone to mimic the natural functions of tooth roots. This allows dental implants to prevent bone loss once they fuse together with the jawbone. When performed by skilled dentists at Jillian Prather Family Dentistry, dental implants can also stimulate bone growth.One of the biggest reasons for getting dental implants is because they last an incredibly long time. As long as the patient takes good care of their dental implants, they will last well over 30 years. Moreover, dental implants don’t require special care outside of regular brushing and flossing. Just make sure to see our dentists once every six months for regular inspections and cleanings. What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?There are three popular types of dental implants that patients can choose from depending on their conditions. These three types of dental implant restorations are called endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic. Endosteal implants are implanted into the jawbone, while subperiosteal implants are placed over the jawbone. Zygomatic implants are extremely complex because they are placed in the patient’s cheekbone (zygoma), making the procedure more difficult.Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?Almost every patient who has a missing tooth may be eligible for dental implants. However, the patient’s overall health, including their jawbone density, is thoroughly inspected to assess if they are suitable for implants. Dentists assess jawbone health by conducting various x-rays of the oral region. In addition to this, some dentists require patients to quit smoking and make other lifestyle changes.Have other questions, concerns, and doubts about dental implant restorations? Reach out to Jillian Prather Family Dentistry by dialing (918) 401-9933 to book an appointment with our dentists. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer your questions. |
