Denture Challenges
Some people have many difficulties with their natural teeth and believe that having them pulled and getting dentures will solve all their problems. You may know someone with dentures that fit perfectly and who won't have to worry about their teeth again, but many people have life-long problems with their dentures. The following information, concerning some of the challenges a person might face with the placement of dentures, may be helpful:
1. Some of the difficulties and problems associated with wearing dentures include: difficulties with speaking and eating; food under dentures; function; loose dentures; lack of retention; need for adhesives; feeling of fullness; and poor ridge relationship (i.e. Class II), as well as the probable need for future relines and remakes.
2. It is necessary for immediate dentures to be relined or remade, usually within six months. Because this is due to shrinkage of the gums, not problems with the way the dentures are made, the patient is usually responsible for paying for these procedures.
3. Regular dentures started within six to eight weeks after tooth removal frequently need to be relined or remade before one year, due to continued bone resorption. This is especially true for patients with a history of periodontal (gum) disease or extensive ridge surgery. Because shrinkage from bone loss is unpredictable and varies for individuals, patients are usually charged for any laboratory relines or remakes. The advantages of waiting six to eight weeks are that a patient will have dentures to wear soon after tooth removal, relines or remakes are not always required, and there are frequently fewer post insertion adjustments compared to immediate dentures. These advantages allow for a lower fee than that charged for immediate dentures.
4. However, a healing time of six months is preferable after tooth extraction before denture construction is started. Past experience has shown that patients who have dentures made six months after extraction have a good chance of not needing a reline or remake during the first year of wearing their new dentures. However, because of continued bone resorption, there is no guarantee that a reline or remake of the conventional denture will not be required.
5. The average denture usually requires a laboratory reline or remake at least once in every four years, due to functional wear and/or continued bone resorption. This bone resorption will continue throughout the patient's lifetime, making subsequent denture construction more difficult, less satisfying, and less comfortable for the patient than their previous denture experience.
6. Due to the varying rates of bone resorption and jaw alignment situations, there is no guarantee that a patient will successfully and comfortably wear even a well-constructed denture.
7. Dentures should not be considered a replacement for teeth. They are a replacement for no teeth. Dentures are prosthetic appliances, not real teeth, made to imitate the function of teeth as closely as possible. However, most people end up with about 20% efficiency of their natural teeth.
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Dental Implants
Problem: Full Arch Teeth Missing. Dentures do have their place, and there are some people who manage fine with them. But there are many others who struggle with them daily, often to the point that the life they once knew has been changed significantly to accommodate the dentures. For those who are tired of dentures that do not seem to fit well for very long (because bone keeps receding), speaking and laughing with confidence has become a thing of the past, favorite foods are only a memory, or life has become an endless ordeal of "sore" spots, dental implants may be the solution for which you have dreamed.
Problem: One or a Few Missing Teeth. Other interested persons may be those who have just one, or a few missing teeth. The decision to compromise the surrounding intact teeth, so they can become the needed anchors for a bridge or partial, bothers you. And it should. You may also be concerned about the loss of jaw bone where the tooth is missing. When the bone is not stimulated by the forces naturally being placed on it by the root of the tooth, the bone starts deteriorating. You understand that over time, this can cause the surrounding teeth to collapse toward the gap, as well as enable gum problems. There was a time when there was no better choice available to you. Now there is a good, tested, and proven solution - dental implants.
A Good Solution: Ideal for missing teeth, dental implants are the closest approximation to natural teeth available. They are constructed to imitate a natural tooth as much as possible, being anchored in the jaw with a "post" which functions similar to the root of a tooth. (This post is what gives the dental implant its inherent stability, as well as the ability to stimulate the "foundation" bone.) After the post has had time for the bone to heal and become solid around it, the restoration is attached. There are several different types of restorations available, depending on the individual's needs and desires: single-tooth replacement, multiple-tooth replacement, or full arch tooth replacement.
Dental implants are definitely not a "one size fits all" solution. Each person's situation and solution is very personalized. Bone density and loss need to be evaluated. Forces exerted on the area are analyzed based on bite and any surrounding or opposing teeth. Medical history is important. The individual's desires and expectations for the final outcome obviously have great influence. Financial considerations may also be a factor. Many times, more than one treatment option is possible, and tailoring the treatment for an outcome that is optimum for YOU only happens after careful technical analysis as well as understanding your needs and wants. We encourage you to read the Dental Implant Q & A's, then call us at (405) 387-5858 (or click here) to set up a personal consultation with Dr. Cox. With his analysis, you will be enabled to make an informed decision based on the options available for your unique situation, and find out whether dental implants will be able to make an improvement for your life.
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Single Implants
A single implant is used to replace a single tooth. The dental implant has several advantages over a bridge. One is that when a bridge is used, the adjacent teeth must be compromised so the bridge can be attached. This alters two teeth that do not need to be touched if an implant is used. The next factor is that additional stress and pressures are placed on these adjoining teeth by the bridge. A third thing to consider is that the bone where the tooth was, will start to deteriorate because the normal stimulation caused by the root of the tooth is now gone. The bone will continue to recede throughout your lifetime. Fourth, the missing tooth, receding bone, and the margins of the bridge are prone to providing a more favorable environment for gum disease.
The alternative is a dental implant. The dental implant stands alone, not needing support from the adjoining teeth. Its post functions much the same as the original tooth root, in that it stimulates the bone because of the normal pressures placed on it. Therefore, the bone supporting it tends to stay intact. The adjoining teeth have no additional stress placed on them. Since there is no gap being spanned with a bridge, the adjoining teeth have not been compromised, and the bone stays stimulated, gum disease is not an increased concern. An added benefit is that a single tooth implant appears exactly like a normal tooth. Care is the same as for your other teeth.
As for the steps in the procedure, first is a consultation and evaluation with Dr. Cox. The next step is for placement of the post. This is done with conscious sedation in our office. If your implant is located where others can see it if you smile, you will leave our office with a removable device that snaps in and holds a prosthetic tooth, so you can resume your life quickly. After a period of healing (typically 6 months), the post of your implant is uncovered, and a "healing abutment" is attached. This is a very minor procedure done as a regular office visit. Soon after this, the restoration (tooth) is placed. It will be designed to compliment your smile.
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One or a Few Missing Teeth.


Also, two or more implants can serve as a stable support for the replacement of many teeth:

Improvements Implants Can Make...
If you are considering dental implants, you are well aware of the problems and challenges dentures cause in your life, so we won't discuss that here. (see “Denture Challenges” above in the left column.)
Instead, we'll discuss the improvements dental implants can make.
Dental implants are anchored solidly to your jaw. You no longer have the many annoyances caused by movement and slippage. Since dental implants do not rely on the bone ridge for their support, you will not need the adjustments and relines to which you are accustomed.
For full arch missing teeth, most people have two good options for dental implants. The first is to have single dental implants to replace each missing tooth. This is the best solution for most people. It is the closest approximation to natural teeth available. The posts act as your tooth roots did to stimulate the bone. This can stop the bone from receding. Care is the same as for natural teeth. You brush them and floss close to the gumline. Although you never have to worry about cavities in dental implants, maintaining gum health is important.
The second option is a bar overdenture. Five or more posts are implanted which serve as the anchors in the bone. To this, a bar is attached. The special denture snaps to the bar. This provides the stability a normal denture is unable to give. You are able to snap the special denture in and out for cleaning. Also, our hygienists have special instruments to clean your dental implants during your routine preventative visits. The advantage of the
The first step, if you are interested in dental implants, is a consultation and exam with Dr. Cox.
There are many factors involved since this is a very individualized procedure. He will analyze the type and amount of jaw bone you have available because that also makes a difference in the approach taken. When he has gathered the information he needs, he will share it with you and provide options for you to consider. Together, you will be able to make a plan that will meet your needs.
Dr. Cox's office will be able to place and restsore your implants. This provides continuity of care and peace of mind for you since everything is done in the same location by the same doctor and staff you have grown to know and trust. Dr. Cox has special certification to provide conscious sedation for your dental implant placement. This is a very relaxing and comfortable way to have your dental work done. From beginning to finish, dental implants take approximately six months. Then, won't you enjoy the changes!
Click here to set your first exam for implants.