Dental Implants Tulsa, OK

A dental implant is designed to replace a tooth. You can use dental implants to restore one or more teeth. Because dental implants look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth, they are often seen as the gold standard for replacing teeth. At Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide dental implants for patients in Tulsa, OK, and the surrounding areas. We also offer various restorative dentistry services to new and existing patients in Tulsa. 

Dental Implants in Tulsa, OK

There are three parts to a dental implant: a titanium post, abutment, and dental crown. First, the root form, or a titanium screw, is surgically placed into your jawbone.

It is attached to the false tooth or false teeth with an abutment. Single dental implants secure dental crowns, and multiple dental implants can secure dentures. 

At Hope Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Bridges does his own surgery, so you will be assured that the implant is placed in the ideal position. You won’t have to worry about any miscommunication between the surgeon and the dentist.

Once Dr. Bridges places the implant into your jawbone, we leave time for healing and for a process called osseointegration.

This is where the jawbone grows around the implant to make it as secure as a natural tooth root. Once that has taken place, Dr. Bridges will add a beautiful crown to the top of the root.

He takes great pride in his cosmetic procedures, so you can be assured it will look just like a natural tooth. You now have a complete tooth replacement.

What If You’re Missing Multiple Teeth?

Dental implants can secure dental bridges or dentures to replace full rows or arches of missing teeth. Dr. Bridges can help you decide which is the best treatment plan for you.

Dental implants have many benefits over traditional bridges or removable dentures. Implants:

• Are MUCH more comfortable
• Secure restorations so they won’t fall out at embarrassing times
• Allow you to eat anything you want
• Can be cleaned just like your natural teeth
• Prevent the devastating effects of facial collapse

Choosing an Implant Dentist

If you are looking for quality implant dentistry, you’ll want to make sure your dentist has had sufficient training. Implant dentistry is a fairly new field, so it is not yet a recognized specialty. The downside to that is that any dentist can claim to be qualified to place implants. You don’t have to worry about that with Dr. Bridges. He has impeccable credentials.

The Misch Institute

The Misch Institute is a world-renowned dental implant postgraduate study. Dr. Bridges spent two years completing every course they had available, including the surgical program, bone grafting, plastic surgery, prosthetics, and cadaver programs. Dr. Bridges is more than qualified to handle all aspects of dental implants.

An ICOI Fellow

The International Congress of Oral Implantologists (known as the ICOI) has challenging requirements to obtain fellowship status. Dr. Bridges had to provide documentation of a large list of successful implant cases and a minimum of 75 hours of continuing implant education. In order to maintain his fellowship status, he must meet further requirements.

CT Scans

We have a new diagnostic tool available for our patients—the Cone Beam CT Scan. Traditional x-rays are still a great diagnostic tool, and we use them regularly. For some procedures, however, the cone beam x-ray’s three-dimensional view brings an exceptional advantage.

Additionally, we can zoom the image multi-directionally in order to see the exact area we need. Because we can zoom to any angle, even the biting surfaces of your teeth, we can use those images to make a 3-D model of your bite.

This not only eliminates the need to take an old-fashioned impression in some procedures but also helps with the diagnostic process.

CT scans are not only useful to ensure precise implant treatment. With CT scans, we can:

• Evaluate jaw joint problems, such as TMJ
• Detect cysts, tumors, and infections
• Locate root canals

Dental Implant FAQs

Read answers to common questions about dental implants in our Tulsa, OK, dental office: 

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants have many benefits. They look and feel like natural teeth, so you can eat, talk, and smile with confidence. Implants are strong and stable because they fuse with your jawbone, which also helps keep your bone healthy.

Unlike dentures, implants won’t slip or move in your mouth. They’re easy to care for—just brush and floss. Plus, implants last longer than traditional dentures or bridges.

Are dental implants noticeable?

No, dental implants are not noticeable when done correctly. They’re designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth. The visible part of the implant (the crown, bridge, or denture) is custom-made. It will match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. This makes it blend in seamlessly with your smile.

Implants are anchored into your jawbone, so they sit firmly in place like real teeth. They also won’t slip or move around.

Does implant treatment hurt?

Getting a dental implant usually doesn’t hurt as much as you might think. During the procedure, Dr. Bridges will use local anesthesia to numb your mouth so you won’t feel pain—just some pressure.

After the procedure, it’s normal to feel sore or swollen for a few days. Our dentist may recommend pain medicine to help you stay comfortable. Most people find that the soreness goes away quickly, and they can return to their regular routine within a few days.

How long do dental implants last?

Implants offer a long-term solution for missing teeth. After your implant post heals, it will stay permanently in your mouth. While you may need to replace your crown, bridge, or denture over time, the implant post is permanent. 

How do I brush and floss my implant restoration?

You can care for your implant-supported crown, denture, or bridge as you would your natural teeth. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Make sure to clean all sides of the implant restoration gently.

For flossing, use regular dental floss, a floss threader, or a water flosser to clean around the implant. Be sure to reach under the gumline to remove any food or plaque. You can also use an interdental brush to clean between your teeth and the implant.

When can I get a dental implant after a tooth extraction?

You can usually get a dental implant a few months after a tooth extraction. This waiting period gives your gums and bone time to heal. If your jawbone is strong and healthy, our dentist might place the implant on the same day as the extraction. However, if you need a bone graft to strengthen the area, it could take several months before we place your implant.

How many implants do I need for a denture?

You usually need 4 to 6 dental implants to hold a full denture in place. The exact number depends on your mouth and how much bone you have in your jaw. Four implants are often enough for a lower denture.

You might need 4 to 6 implants for a secure fit for an upper denture. Our dentist will check your mouth and let you know how many implants you need to make your denture stable and comfortable.

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of dental implants will vary based on these factors:

• Pretreatments (grafting, extractions, etc.)
• Number of dental implants
• Type of restoration
• Sedation cost

Before treatment, Dr. Bridges will evaluate your oral health to determine whether you need pretreatment to prepare for implants and which type of restoration is right for you. 

Restore Your Missing Teeth

Do you have missing teeth but don’t want removable dentures or bridges that ruin your natural teeth? Request a dental implant consultation with Dr. Bridges on our website. You may also call our office for treatment at 918-347-1114.