Do you have multiple teeth that need to be replaced? You may want to consider dental implants by Tulsa dentist Dr. Ryan Noah. Pursuing his fellowship in American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), Dr. Noah will be glad to explain how implants work and provide you with a complimentary consultation to determine if you are a candidate for this popular dental procedure. They are not only the best solution for multiple missing teeth but are a great choice for stabilizing dentures as well.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a permanent replacement for a missing tooth that not only looks like a natural tooth, but functions as one too. This tooth replacement choice is very popular because, unlike a bridge, which may require sacrificing several of the surrounding teeth to replace the missing tooth, an implant does not. An artificial tooth root made of titanium is placed into the jaw bone and then a custom-fitted porcelain crown is fitted on top so no other teeth are affected.
Dental implants are comprised of two parts: the root and the crown. The root form is inserted below the gum line and Dr. Ryan Noah will create a prosthetic crown that matches your own tooth in color and shape, which will be placed on top of the root when it is ready.
Dental Implants Versus Dentures
- Since dentures rest on movable gum tissue they can slip around while you are eating or speaking. This is largely due to the fact that the lowers are held in place by your tongue, while the uppers are suctioned in place. This also means that is possible that they may come out at embarrassing times.
- Your chewing efficiency is reduced by 50 percent at best. As time goes on this will only get worse. Some denture patients have had to change to a soft foods diet as a result.
- Dentures can be very uncomfortable. At first this may not be an issue when your dentures fit well. But over time your lower jawbone will resorb into a sharp ridge which can cause painful sores in your mouth.
- However, the most serious problem with dentures is a condition called facial collapse. When your teeth are removed, your body senses that the bone is no longer needed to support your teeth, so it re-distributes the minerals to be used in other parts of your body. The result is a loss of jawbone. Individuals that suffer from facial collapse will look much older than they really are because their face will have a sunken look. It can get so bad over the course of 10 to 20 years that it may become impossible to wear a denture. To learn more about this process, you may click here to visit our facial collapse page.
There are many advantages to choosing dental implants. They are a permanent, durable solution that won’t move around or cause discomfort as dentures do. You don’t have to worry about what you eat since they function just like your natural teeth. And implants have a very life-like appearance, so no one will even know you ever had missing teeth.
Who Should Do My Dental Implants?
It is important to know there is no recognized specialty in implant dentistry. That means any dentist can claim to be an implant dentist. However, it takes a significant amount of post-graduate training to be qualified to do them well. Not only is Dr. Noah a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, he is a fellow at the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). Less than one-half of one percent of dentists have reached this level.
Are You a Candidate?
To find out if you are a candidate, just give us a call (918) 742-5521. Be aware that our dental implant cases are generally handled at our Tulsa Midtown location. We’ll give you a complimentary consultation so you can come in and ask Dr. Noah questions about implants and see if you’re a candidate.