If you wear dentures, you’ve probably heard of dental implants. However, you may not have received all the facts. At our office in New Albany, Indiana we provide implants for those who want a happier, healthier, and worry-free smile. Let us help you answer some common questions about implants:
Q: What are dental implants? How are they different from dentures?
A: Dental implants are used to replace lost teeth, support permanent bridges, or to better support a denture. An implant is actually comprised of 3 pieces—the implant, an abutment, and a crown. After the implant is surgically placed in the jaw bone and has healed and integrated properly, a ceramic porcelain replacement tooth (created to match the original tooth color, of course) is attached to the abutment. The abutment and replacement tooth is then screwed into the implant. This method helps to hold the replacement tooth securely in your mouth. Because the implant is surgically fused to your jaw bone, it is much more secure than traditional dentures—no slipping, rubbing, or fear of falling out. And it has 90% of the chewing power of the original tooth!
Q: How do they help my overall oral health?
A: Implants are a healthier alternative to dentures for two main reasons: 1) They help maintain your bone structure. Without a tooth in place in your jaw bone, the structure begins to decay and deteriorate. Using implants is a way to halt the deterioration of your bone structure. This, in addition to proper hygiene, helps to alleviate the fear of losing more teeth. 2) Implants are easier to clean than dentures. Because you brush and floss them the way you would your original teeth, implants do not pose the risk of collecting bacteria like dentures do. Gum disease is easier to ward off, making your mouth happier and healthier.
Q: Why are they better than bridges or partials?
A: Implants are better than bridges or partials because they preserve the health of your remaining teeth. Bridges often require drilling into perfectly healthy teeth—and if those teeth are ever compromised due to gum disease, the bridge may fail. Partial dentures also endanger your oral health. The absence of a tooth will contribute to bone loss in the area and can also lead to losing neighboring teeth.
Q: Is getting implants painful?
A: No. Getting dental implants is virtually painless. At our New Albany, Indiana office, we will make sure you are as comfortable as possible. With our IV sedation, you can be completely asleep—unaware of unpleasant smells, tastes, or noises of the visit. Many of our patients do not even need to use pain medication after the surgery. If the fear of pain is contributing to your decision NOT get dental implants, please rethink your decision. I promise that we will make you as comfortable as possible.
Q: Will they really change my life?
A: Dental implants will allow you to eat and socialize like you still had your original teeth. Not only will they be more functional than dentures—no more slipping, rubbing, or popping out!—they LOOK better, too. Implants can help you look 10 years younger (no wrinkling or sunken facial structure) AND help you eat better. They can allow you live your life the way you want.
Don’t let questions or insecurities hold you back from getting the smile you deserve, call our office today to schedule a consultation. We would love to meet you and speak to you about ways to restore your smile.