Dental Implants - Tulsa, OK
HOW MUCH DOES A DENTAL IMPLANT COST?
As with most dental services, there is range of costs. Dental are no exception. However, the average cost of a single dental implant is somewhere between $1500 and $2500. But your case is unique, so the only way to really know how much you dental implant will cost is to schedule an appointment with an implant dentist.
REPLACE MISSING TEETH WITH DENTAL IMPLANTS
Living with missing teeth or uncomfortable temporary solutions are not necessary any longer. Modern dentistry has developed some of the most impressive medical solutions through dental implants. Dr. Rigdon has been performing dental implants since 1987. Fellow dentists and patients alike have recognized his exceptional skill and care in this area.
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental implants are man-made substitutes for natural tooth roots. They serve as anchors for the replacement of missing teeth. The dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. A single tooth or teeth replaced with dental implants are the closest thing to a natural tooth available.
WHAT DENTAL IMPLANTS CAN DO FOR YOU:
- Accelerate and activate your life
- Provide a foundation for teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth
- Conserve your existing natural teeth
- Support a bridge – eliminating the need for a removable partial denture
- Provide support for a removable denture, making it more secure and comfortable
- Improve appearance and self-confidence
- Eliminate pain when chewing food with removable teeth
- Help maintain bone structure and facial features
- Maintain a more youthful and healthy appearance
- Allow you to eat your favorite foods again
- Provide comfort and convenience
- Give permanence and reliability
ARE YOU MISSING A SINGLE TOOTH?
Missing a single tooth can, over time, allow the misalignment of your remaining teeth and thus erode your current smile. A single tooth replaced with a dental implant and crown is the most predictable, conservative, and long-lasting method of tooth replacement. Without a dental implant, the two adjacent teeth to a missing tooth must be filed down to anchor a bridge. Dental implants eliminate the need to modify natural teeth.
ARE YOU MISSING MULTIPLE TEETH?
Missing multiple teeth can be a serious problem as the support structure of your jaw begins to deteriorate. Implants stop that deterioration. Dental implants are designed to serve as a foundation for replacement crowns or bridges that “give you your teeth back.” They look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
HAVE AN UNCOMFORTABLE OR SLIPPING FULL OR PARTIAL DENTURE?
Dental implants are the most secure and natural form of tooth replacement and unlike partials, they will never slip. Implants are a predictable and comfortable alternative for those persons that cannot wear, or choose not to tolerate, removable complete dentures or partial dentures. Dental implants offer a predictable alternative to a variety of problems related to removable teeth including: pain and sore spots, poor dental stability, inability to speak clearly, and gagging caused by removable teeth.
INSURANCE ACCEPTED AND FINANCING AVAILABLE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS
As with most dental services, there is range of costs. Dental are no exception. However, the average cost of a single dental implant is somewhere between $1500 and $2500. But your case is unique, so the only way to really know how much you dental implant will cost is to schedule an appointment with an implant dentist.
Dental implants are the most comfortable, predictable and long lasting method of missing tooth replacement. They are designed to serve as a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Dental implants allow a person that has lost teeth to regain their ability to eat virtually anything, therefore, allowing one to enjoy nutritious foods, contributing to better health, and enjoying social gatherings based around meals. Implants help prevent undesirable deterioration of the jawbone and the resulting accelerated aging appearance that can occur. Most of all, dental implants improve the quality of life, enhance self-image, and restore self-confidence.
Fortunately, a person’s age does not influence the success of dental implants. Dr. Rigdon has completed implant therapy on patients as young as 15 and as old as 92. No matter what age you are, chances are very good that you are an implant candidate. In fact, some of our most satisfied patients have been elderly individuals that had almost given up hope of living without the pain and inconvenience of removable dentures or partial dentures. If you are healthy enough to have teeth removed in a dental office, you’re probably healthy enough to have implant therapy.
The surgical placement of dental implants causes only minor discomfort similar to having a tooth removed. Post-operative discomfort is controlled with the use of prescriptions. Depending on the extent of the therapy, many persons return to work the day of their surgery. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated.
The most important criteria for selecting an implant dentist are experience, education, credentials and success rate. Dr. Rigdon has been placing dental implants since 1987. His success rate is over 97 percent. He is credentialed by the major dental implant organizations. Most significant is his Diplomat status in the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry. Although Oral Implantology is not a specialty of the American Dental Association, the American Board is an acknowledged examining agency – recognized by the American Dental Association – for dentists to submit their education, training, experience, knowledge of lmplantology, and expertise for credentialing. A Diplomat of the American Board of Oral Implantology/implant Dentistry has passed the most rigorous examination process in the field of Oral Implantology.
Dr. Rigdon is one of three Diplomats in the state of Oklahoma and the only one east of Oklahoma City.
Long-term studies of dental implants show that most implants have been functioning successfully for 30 years or more. The successes will be influenced by factors related to general health, smoking, tooth grinding, etc. Another major factor is how well you care for the dental implants. It is critical that you maintain good home care and professional hygiene care to maximize the life of your implants
The first step is a comprehensive examination of existing teeth, bone and gums. This allows for an accurate diagnosis and discovery of the potential solutions to your condition.
During the first visit, Dr. Rigdon will perform a visual examination and evaluate radiographs (x-rays). He will then share his findings with you, recommend treatment solutions, and help you determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
We invite our patients to have a family member or friend participate in our discussions, which most patients find very beneficial. In addition, any financial matters will be discussed in detail and in a confidential setting before any treatment is started.
We expect you will. Feel free to contact our office at 918-494-8666. Our staff is very proficient in answering questions. However, if they cannot answer your question, Dr. Rigdon will return your call personally when time becomes available.
Single Tooth Dental Implants - Tulsa, OK
Restore Your Smile with a Single Dental Implant
Losing a tooth as a child can be exciting-not so much as an adult. Just one missing tooth can harm your oral and general health, as well as your self-esteem and confidence. Tooth loss increases the risk of periodontal disease and decay in remaining teeth, additional tooth loss, malnutrition, and feelings of embarrassment. So, replacement is a necessity. A single tooth dental implant is a secure replacement that restores your smile and helps to ensure your overall health and well being.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Most patients that want a dental implant can have one. However, there are some basic ground rules. First, your general health must be good. Minor oral surgery is required for implants, so we’ll need to know a few things about your medical history. Then, Dr. Rigdon will perform a thorough dental exam, including a close look at your teeth and gums.
THE ADVANTAGES OF A SINGLE TOOTH DENTAL IMPLANT
What makes a dental implant better than a partial or fixed bridge? Other replacements only rest on top of your gum ridge and substitute for a tooth’s crown. A dental implant, on the other hand, replaces the entire missing tooth from root to crown. In this way, an implant is the most lifelike tooth replacement and will remain firmly in place.
Also, because an implant is surgically positioned in your jawbone, it helps maintain your facial structure. When you are missing a tooth, there is no root to stimulate new bone tissue growth. Thus, your jaw can begin to shrink, making you look drawn and more aged. This can even happen with a prosthetic that merely rests on top of your gums.
THE DENTAL IMPLANT PROCESS
Dental implant surgery is performed in stages. First, if you have a damaged tooth, it will require extraction. Then, your jawbone is prepped for surgery, which may include bone grafting if you’ve lost bone volume at the site. After your jaw heals, the dental implant post is set in the bone. The post and surrounding bone tissue will integrate, which can take several months. Finally, abutments are placed to connect the implant and restoration. Once the porcelain crown is attached, your new tooth is complete. Care for your dental implant with daily brushing and flossing and regular checkups.
Implant Dentures - Tulsa, OK
TRADITIONAL DENTURES
DENTAL IMPLANT-RETAINED DENTURES
BENEFITS OF IMPLANT DENTURES
Compared with other tooth replacement options, implant supported dentures offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Improved stability – anchored in place by dental implant posts, your denture will create natural function. Patients with traditional, removable dentures only experience about 20% renewed chewing range. Those who choose implant-retained dentures experience 70% or more renewal of tooth function.
- Longevity – traditional dentures need to be replaced every five to ten years. Implant supported dentures can last twenty years or longer with proper care.
- Maintain optimal oral health – the implant posts provide the stimulation necessary to maintain soft tissue volume and jawbone density. This means patients retain a healthy, youthful facial shape.
CARING FOR YOUR IMPLANT DENTURE
Once your dental implant supported partial or full denture is firmly in place, you want to keep it there as long as possible. With proper care you should be able to retain your implant denture for two decades or longer. Some patients are able to keep the same implant denture for the rest of their lives. Proper care for your implant supported dentures includes the following steps:
- Brush teeth at least two times every day using a soft toothbrush or denture brush
- Use water flossers or specialized flossing tools to remove plaque buildup around the edges of the denture
- Antimicrobial mouth rinse can reduce the numbers of plaque-producing oral bacteria and reduce risk for oral health complications
- Visit our team at least two times each year for dental exams where we will carefully examine the fit and function of your implant denture
Dental Implant Bridges - Tulsa, OK
Replace Missing Multiple Teeth
Following the loss of two or more teeth in a row, the team of professionals at Rigdon Dental & Associates can offer a range of treatment options to put the smile back on your face quickly, including dental implant supported bridges. We know that the tooth loss and replacement process can be stressful, but our Tulsa dentist and team are here to fully restore your smile from the roots up. When you’re ready to find out more, call our dentist and team to schedule your tooth replacement consultation today. We look forward to helping you reclaim the healthy, beautiful smile of you deserve
FIXED BRIDGES
A traditional fixed bridge is used to replace one or more teeth in a row. The replacement tooth or teeth are fused on both sides to dental crowns that are then affixed to healthy teeth on either side of the gap in your smile. These restorations seamlessly bridge the gap in your smile, delivering flawless, functional results.
IMPLANT SUPPORTED RESTORATIONS
To place a traditional bridge, we’ll need to remove a small amount of tooth enamel to accommodate the additional structure of the bridge. To protect the surrounding oral structures, we can also offer an implant supported fixed bridge. These restorations are crafted much like the traditional bridge, but rather than attaching to teeth on either side of the gap in your smile, they are attached to two dental implant posts, one at each end, that provide natural support. The replacement process can take several months. We start by preparing your smile with tooth extraction, tissue grafts, and other treatments to maximize chances for successful implantation. Then, we surgically place the implant posts. Once the posts have fused with your supportive bone and gum tissue, we will design and place your custom fixed bridge.
BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANT MULTIPLE TOOTH REPLACEMENT
If you still don’t feel certain that dental implant supported tooth replacement is right for you, our team will happily review your options and help you determine whether or not this is the best solution for your unique situation. Some of the many benefits of dental implant supported fixed bridge tooth replacement include the following:
- Because the dental implant posts mimic the tooth’s roots and provide support for the fixed bridge, you don’t need to worry about negatively impacting your surrounding teeth and oral structures. Instead, your implant bridge is fully self-supporting, and the implant posts provide the stimulus necessary to maintain healthy supportive tissue.
- Once in place, your implant bridge will last two decades or longer with proper care compared with just seven to ten years for traditional bridges.
- Implant bridges are easily cared for at home. Brush them twice a day like natural teeth. We may need to offer some guidance on how to floss around the implant bridge, but otherwise, you’ll be able to easily maintain at-home hygiene.
All-on-4 - Tulsa, OK
Support a Full Smile with Four Quality Implants
After losing most or all their teeth, most people get dentures so that they can continue to talk clearly and eat all of their favorite foods again. You’ve probably heard that dental implants could be an excellent way to keep your new teeth from slipping or your jawbone from breaking down, but did you realize that this could be done with just four implant posts? Having been placing implants since 1987, Dr. Rigdon is well-qualified to perform the All-on-4 procedure. Contact Rigdon Dental & Associates to learn more about this procedure and how it could leave you with an all-new smile that looks and feels natural.
HOW DO ALL-ON-4 IMPLANTS WORK?
Like any kind of implant procedure, All-on-4 involves the placement of titanium posts in the jaw. Said posts will perform the same functions as a tooth root; that is to say, they will anchor your prosthetic tooth or teeth in place, and they will stimulate the jaw so that it doesn’t break down. For this particular approach, four implant posts are used; the two near the back of the mouth will be tilted at a 45-degree angle so that they can integrate with the areas of the jaw where bone density is highest.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR ALL-ON-4 IMPLANTS?
All-on-4 is only used for full arch replacement. You may be a candidate if you have either lost most or all of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. A certain level of bone density is also required, but fortunately the All-on-4 placement technique is designed to take advantage of the tissue that’s already there, so you most likely won’t need a bone graft. If you have gum disease or smoke, we’ll need to address these issues before the surgery.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ALL-ON-4 IMPLANTS?
- Convenience: Your new teeth will stay permanently attached to the implants. They will not have to be removed for cleaning, and there is no need to use an adhesive to keep them in place.
- Comfort: Many patients say that implants feel just like their real teeth once they’ve joined with the bone.
- Diet: You can enjoy all your favorite meals without restriction thanks to the chewing power that implants provide, which is comparable to natural teeth.
- Durability: An implant post will last much longer in your mouth than traditional forms of tooth replacement.
ALL-ON-4 VS TRADITIONAL DENTAL IMPLANTS
FEATURED SERVICES
Dental Implants
Cosmetic Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry
Dentures & Partials
Invisalign® Clear Braces
