Whether you are missing just one tooth or you wear full dentures, tooth loss can have far-reaching effects on your oral function and confidence. Fortunately, Edward Lorents, DDS, offers dental implants to permanently and effectively replace missing teeth. At his Oklahoma City, OK, practice, he uses CT scan technology to place dental implants with incredible precision. His approach to implant dentistry involves minimal discomfort and provides long-lasting, natural-looking results. When you choose Dental Arts Center, every stage of your treatment will conveniently take place in one location.
The Ultimate Solution for Tooth Loss
Implant Treatment Process
In addition to using CT scans to determine your candidacy for treatment, Dr. Lorents will utilize them to plan your implant surgery. With proper placement, he can sometimes eliminate the need for bone grafting. These advanced images also enable him to minimize the surgery’s impact on your jaw, thus reducing discomfort and recovery time.
Implants
As part of your personalized care, Dr. Lorents will choose the right type of sedation. Then he will begin your implant surgery by creating small incisions in your gums. He will place the posts in your jaw through these incisions, choosing the right number based on the size of your restoration. A single post will be enough for one crown. A bridge will require two or more posts. A denture often requires six posts, but if you qualify, we may be able to use the All-on-4® system to place your restoration. Recovery from implant surgery takes four to six months. In some cases, you may need to wait this full amount of time before we can attach your prosthetic. In other cases, with Speedy Implants or the All-on-4® system, you can receive a restoration within 24 hours of your implant surgery, and will receive your final restoration when you have fully healed. In any case, your dental crown, bridge, or denture will be custom designed and crafted from the latest materials.
Dental Implants Advantages
Regardless of which implant type you receive, dental implants offer significant advantages.
- Implant-supported restorations are more stable than removable bridges or dentures. Therefore, they will not restrict your diet or slip when you are speaking or eating.
- Implants will not affect nearby teeth, unlike traditional bridges, which rely on the two adjacent teeth for support.
- Your implant-supported restoration will look more natural than the plastic base or metal clips of a traditional prosthetic.
- With proper maintenance, implants are a long-lasting solution for tooth loss.
- Implants replace natural tooth roots, sending the same regenerative signals that help prevent jawbone recession.
- For optimal aesthetic benefits, we can combine dental implants with one or more cosmetic dentistry treatments in a smile makeover procedure.
Are You a Good Candidate?
If you have lost one or more teeth, or are preparing for an extraction, dental implants may be a good option for you. Dr. Lorents will consider your oral health, especially your jawbone structure, to determine your candidacy. For effective treatment, you must have a strong jaw. If you have insufficient bone density, your implants will not have enough support. Dental implants can have transformative effects on your appearance, oral health, and self-confidence.
X-Ray
Photo of 3D CBCT machine.
To ensure lasting results, Dr. Lorents will evaluate your jaw with his state-of-the-art 3D CT scans. Frequently, he can perform a bone graft procedure to rebuild bone density to restore your candidacy for treatment. Your overall physical health is another important consideration. As an implants candidate, you should have a strong immune system, as well as healthy gums. An autoimmune disease, blood disorder, or gum disease, could disqualify you from implants. However, we can often address gum disease through advanced periodontal care.
