Missing a Tooth? Here’s Why OKC Implants Are Worth Considering
If you’ve lost a tooth, you probably already know how much it can change simple things like chewing or smiling. What you might not realize is how that gap affects your jawbone, your bite, and even the shape of your face over time. That’s why more people are turning to dental implants in OKC as a long-term, natural solution. At Saxon Dentistry, Dr. Chris Saxon helps patients rebuild confidence with results that look and feel like their own teeth.
Why a missing tooth is more than just a cosmetic problem
When a tooth is lost, the bone beneath it no longer gets the pressure it needs to stay healthy. The jawbone starts to shrink slowly, which can change how your smile and even your cheeks look. Nearby teeth may shift into the empty space, throwing off your bite and creating spots where food and bacteria collect.
Dental implants solve those issues by acting like real roots. Once placed, they fuse with the bone and provide the same kind of support your natural tooth once did. The result is stability, strength, and balance you can rely on.
What makes dental implants different
Implants are not like dentures or bridges. They don’t sit on top of the gums or depend on other teeth for support. Each implant has three simple parts:
- Implant post: a small titanium or ceramic screw that replaces the missing root
- Abutment: a connector that links the post to the visible crown
- Crown: the top portion that looks and functions like a real tooth
Once the implant bonds with your bone, it becomes part of you. The crown on top is designed to match the color, shape, and alignment of your other teeth so it blends in completely.
The process step by step
1) Planning and evaluation
It starts with a conversation and a 3D scan. Dr. Saxon studies your bone structure, gum health, and bite to confirm you’re a good candidate. Every detail is planned digitally before placement, so there are no surprises.
2) Placement
The implant post is gently placed into the bone. Most patients say the process is easier than they expected. Local anesthesia or mild sedation keeps you comfortable the entire time.
3) Healing and integration
Over the next few months, your body does the work of bonding with the implant. During this period, you may wear a temporary crown so your smile stays complete while healing.
4) Final restoration
Once everything has healed, the custom crown is attached. Dr. Saxon adjusts the bite and contours until it feels like your natural tooth.
Why patients choose implants
Implants offer more freedom and stability than bridges or removable dentures. You can eat what you want, brush and floss normally, and never worry about slipping or clicking. Because they preserve bone and support your facial structure, they also help prevent the sunken look that sometimes follows long-term tooth loss.
Other benefits include:
- No damage to neighboring teeth
- Long-lasting results with proper care
- A completely natural appearance
- Improved chewing and speech
What care looks like after placement
Implants don’t require special products or routines. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit for regular cleanings. The gums and bone around the implant need to stay healthy, just like the rest of your mouth. Avoid chewing hard items like ice or pens, and if you grind your teeth, a nightguard can help protect your new restoration.
With consistent care, most implants can last a lifetime.
Comfort and precision matter
Dr. Saxon’s planning process uses digital imaging to determine exact placement, which shortens procedure time and helps prevent complications. Every step is designed around comfort and predictability, whether you’re replacing one tooth or several.
Is an implant right for you?
If you have one or more missing teeth, or if your dentures never quite feel secure, implants could be a strong option. Even if you’ve been missing a tooth for years, bone grafting can often rebuild the structure needed to support an implant.
The best way to know is through a consultation where your goals, health, and options are reviewed together.
