Dental Implants Oklahoma City

What Are Dental Implants?

A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.

Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.  A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.

“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”

For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.

What is Guided Dental Implant Surgery?

Recent surgical advancement in the placement of implants by guided implant surgery is the process of planning the implant surgery on a computer using the patient’s CT image. The conventional method of using the patient’s panoramic x-ray to plan implant surgery cannot transfer the planning exactly as planned, however, guided implant surgery can transfer the plan as exactly as Dr. Davis plans on the computer. To carry out the surgery exactly as the surgery plan, a custom surgical template and guided implant surgery kit are needed.

Guided implant surgery uses the patient’s CT data to diagnose the patient beforehand, can mimic the surgery according to the surgery plan, and has the following advantages:

• Surgery can be precise, safe, and predictable.
• Surgery time is shorter.
• Generally carried out as a flapless surgery and shorter recovery time for the patient.
• Less invasion, blood, and pain for the patient.
• Immediate loading is possible.
• Bone grafts can be minimized.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Before treatment begins, every effort will be made to give you an accurate estimate of all the expenses involved in placing the implants and making your replacement teeth. In many cases, there is an initial charge for the diagnostic work-up, including study models, x-rays, and the fabrication of a surgical template to ensure the best possible result. In addition you will be charged for the abutment or support post(s), plus the crown, dentures, or anything else that will be placed over the implants, including temporary restorations. Periodic maintenance such as hygiene visits, tissue conditioners, denture relines and other repairs will also incur additional charges.
When different doctors are involved in your treatment, you will be charged separately for their services. We will try to assist you in estimating what your actual payments will be after we evaluate your insurance coverage or other third party payments. Also, you should consider your personal financial investment in each treatment option as some insurance companies provide limited or no coverage.
Each patient is unique, and it is not possible for us to discuss every option and every contingency for treatment outcome. This booklet is intended to help you understand the general treatment options available to you. If your specific treatment options are not clear, please contact us. We will be happy to answer any questions you have about your dental care.