Dental Implants
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Why Choose Dental Implants at premier Smiles?
A long-lasting choice, implant-supported dentistry brings you as close to growing new teeth as possible. Expertly placed in the same bone that once supported teeth, you’ll enjoy the strength and function of a natural tooth. Modern porcelains produce a result so life-like, you may forget they aren’t your natural teeth. Dentures can also be attached to implants when more than one missing tooth needs to be replaced. The stability and sense of confidence you develop with implants will leave you smiling.
Dr. Okafor uses the latest technology to collect all the data necessary to help plan your restorative case. Digital x-rays, 3D mapping, models, and photographs prove valuable. Dr. Okafor has hundreds of successful dental implant cases under his belt and uses highly regarded specialists to bring all components of your case together. But at all times, he serves as the quarterback of the entire plan.
Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION today!
(361) 887-6093
what is a dental implant?
The Closest Thing To Real Teeth
A dental implant is the modern, permanent solution for replacing teeth. Implants look, feel, and function more like natural teeth than any other tooth replacement option.
Implants remain in your mouth like any natural tooth would and cleaning them is just as easy.
Dental implants have quickly become the preferred method for permanent tooth replacement due to their high success rate.
how do dental implants work?
A dental implant is a titanium post, or screw, that replaces a tooth root. Implants are surgically placed in the jawbone, below the gumline where they won’t be seen when you open your mouth. They are used to secure crowns (the teeth), bridgework, or dentures by a variety of means.
Unlike other tooth replacement options, implants can keep bone from eroding along the jawline which leaves a sunken, older countenance. They do this because they replace a missing tooth root, essentially becoming a new tooth root which keeps your jawbone healthy and you retain a more youthful appearance.
As you heal, a process called “osseointegration” is taking place. Osseointegration is the foundation for your new smile and occurs as the implant and bone fuse together during the healing period after your procedure. Everyone heals at different rates, but this usually takes 4 to 6 months. A successful integration means a strong, stable foundation for your new teeth.
osseointegration: The Key to a successful dental implant procedure
what are dental implant made of?
Dental implants are comprised of three main parts:
1
2
3
A titanium post or screw is surgically implanted into your jawbone, essentially becoming a new tooth root and the foundation for your new tooth/teeth. The implant is inserted into the bone, below the gum line and cannot be seen.
Titanium has been used in surgical application, with great success, for many years. Titanium is biocompatible, lightweight, and very strong.
An custom abutment comes next, connecting the implant to the crown. The abutment is also made from titanium and sits right at the gum level and once the crown is placed won’t be seen.
Last, the crown or tooth is placed. The crown is your new tooth and is secured to the abutment. The crown is made from porcelain and sits on your gums and looks just like a natural tooth.
Types of dental implant procedures
“Dental implants” is often used to refer to any number of dental implant procedures. Every person’s oral situation is different, so a dental implant procedure is different from patient to patient.
single dental implant
Replacing one tooth with an implant is a single dental implant. If there are multiple missing teeth, not next to each other, you may have multiple single dental implants placed.
All-on-4® or full-mouth dental implants
All-on-X or full-mouth dental implants is a specialized dental implant procedure where with as few as four implants Dr. Peeke can replace an entire arch of teeth. This mean a less invasive surgery for you and is more cost effective than replace each tooth with an implant.
Snap-on or
implant -retained denture or
overdenture
All-on-X or full-mouth dental implants is a specialized dental implant procedure where with as few as four implants Dr. Peeke can replace an entire arch of teeth. This mean a less invasive surgery for you and is more cost effective than replace each tooth with an implant.
the many benefits of dental implants
In a nutshell, dental implants are just like real teeth! Not only do they look great, but they feel natural in your mouth. When you don’t have to worry about the pain and embarrassment of missing or failing teeth, you can get back to living life the way you want to.
Appearance & Confidence
We need tooth roots to keep our jawbone strong, they signal our body to grow healthy bone which helps retain the shape of our jawline. Without roots, our bodies stop signaling the need for bone and the bone we have left erodes leaving a sunken, older appearance.
The implant essentially becomes a new tooth root, “tricking” the body into growing more bone so the integrity of your facial structure is retained.
Dental implants are designed to mimic natural teeth – sometimes looking better than your original ever did! Feel confident knowing you look your best with dental implants.
Function & Convenience
Other tooth replacement options require frequently taking your teeth in and out of your mouth for cleaning, eating and comfort. Dental implants, however, stay in your mouth permanently. Even cleaning them is a easy as caring for your natural teeth – just brush and floss, and the use of a water pick is recommend.
Dental implants help restore your chewing ability so you can enjoy your favorite foods again.
Did you know past dental restorations can be helped with dental implants? Dentures, for example, can be held in place with implants. This is called an implant supported/retained denture, or sometimes called a snap-on, since your denture “snaps on” to the implants.
Health & Diet
A healthy body begins in the mouth. Many nutritious foods are crunchy, seedy, or crispy, and if you can’t eat these you aren’t receiving all the nutrients you need to fuel and feed your body.
Periodontitis, or gum disease, can affect your whole body as the infection gets into your bloodstream. Left untreated, this can affect your heart, blood pressure, or more. Removing decaying or failing teeth can remove the infection.
Live healthier and feel better with dental implants.
are dental implants safe?
Dental implants have been used and proven to be a safe and effective method for replacing ones teeth for 50+ years.
Dr. Okafor uses the latest technology to collect all the data necessary to help plan your restorative case. Digital x-rays, 3D mapping, models, and photographs prove valuable. Dr. Okafor uses highly regarded specialists to bring all components of your case together. But at all times, he serves as the quarterback of the entire plan. With hundreds of dental implant procedures successfully completed, Dr. Ikenna Okafor is Corpus Christi’s top dental implant dentist.
Dr. Okafor and the experienced Corpus Christi team at Premier Smile are here to answer all your implant questions.
Schedule your FREE dental implant consultation today!
