Dental Implants in OKC

If you have lost a tooth because of an injury, or you’ve lost multiple teeth for some other reason, dental implants can help you regain confidence in your smile.

But what exactly is a dental implant? A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed in your jaw to hold a replacement tooth (or multiple teeth). Dental implants are like an anchor for your replacement tooth or teeth. At Wayman Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand how important restorative dentistry in Oklahoma City is and want to give you back the smile you deserve.

Lost teeth aren’t just a cosmetic issue; they also can impede your ability to eat and speak. The good news is that once missing teeth are replaced, you will be able to eat normally again. If you’re in Oklahoma City and looking for options for dental implants, read on.

dental implant
Single Tooth Implants
If you’re only missing one tooth, whether it’s visible in the front of your mouth or hidden in the back, a single implant can be a great way to replace that solitary missing tooth. It’s important, too. Missing teeth leave a gap, not only is that unsightly, but it also can cause the other teeth in your mouth to shift into the empty space, creating more problems. Single-tooth implants are permanent solutions that act and look like real teeth.

Multi-Tooth Implants

Dental implants are great options if you’re missing multiple teeth. These are called implant-supported bridges. Like single implants, these look, feel, and act like regular teeth. Multi-tooth dental implants are a good option because they don’t rely on the support of surrounding natural teeth. During your initial exam, Dr. Wayman will evaluate your needs to come up with the best treatment plan for your dental implant needs.

Snap-In Dentures

Snap-in dentures are exactly what they sound like. These are a type of denture supported by dental implants instead of a regular denture that sits on your gums. With an implant-supported denture, the denture is “snapped in” and secured to your jaw. The benefit of this denture is that it can be removed for cleaning and other types of oral health care.

Sedation

Getting dental implants is a surgical procedure, so patients are sedated. The type of anesthesia used depends on a couple of factors, such as the number of implants placed and your own personal comfort and preference. Usually, patients are not completely unconscious during the procedure.

FAQ

Common Dental Implants Questions

Just like with your biological teeth, you need to practice good oral hygiene with your dental implants with daily brushing and flossing. The post itself that goes into the bone can last a lifetime. The crown placed on top can last for many, many years (beyond 15 years with good oral care). Other factors for the longevity of an implant crown include where it is in the mouth and how much work it does daily (like biting and chewing), as this can cause wear and tear over time.
The cost of dental implant varies from patient to patient, based on the type of implant being used as well as insurance. Dr. Wayman will determine the type of implant you need, and our front office team will work with your insurer to make sure you get the best price.