Dental implants are as close to real teeth as you can get. In terms of looks, fit and function, implants stand far above other tooth replacement options.

If you have missing teeth, getting dental implants may seem like an expensive convenience. However, while implanted teeth may have a higher upfront cost than fixed bridges and removable partial dentures, they’re worth the investment.

Dental Implants Help Prevent Bone Loss

Jawbone atrophy, or bone loss in the jaw, can affect your facial appearance and create problems with your bite.

When your teeth are missing, you’re at risk for jawbone atrophy. The natural tooth roots are no longer there to stimulate growth, so the jaw starts to shrink. Fixed bridges and removable partial dentures don’t stop this from happening, as these tooth replacements sit on top of the gums.

Implants, on the other hand, are placed directly into the jawbone and function as replacement tooth roots. With implanted teeth, the jaw has the stimulation it needs to remain healthy and strong.

Dental Implants Have No Impact on Natural Teeth

To anchor a fixed bridge or support a removable partial denture, oral surgeons have to shave down healthy natural teeth. And with the protective enamel surface removed, the teeth are more susceptible to infection and decay.

In contrast, the implant surgery process doesn’t affect the natural teeth — they’re designed to fit perfectly into the gaps left by missing teeth. As a result, you preserve your oral health when you get implanted teeth.

Dental Implants Last a Lifetime

Due to ongoing bone loss in the jaw, fixed bridges and removable partial dentures usually need to be adjusted or replaced every few years. These tooth replacements also require extra care and attention. All this can add up to seriously costly future dental bills.

Implanted teeth, when placed by an experienced oral surgeon, are almost always a permanent success. Plus, adjustments are never necessary, and caring for implants couldn’t be easier — simply brush and floss as you normally do and see your oral surgeon on a regular basis. When you choose implanted teeth, your future dental expenses are quite minimal.

At Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, serving the greater east central Indiana area, our highly trained and experienced oral surgeons specialize in tooth replacement. We can answer your questions about implanted teeth and help you decide on the best way to restore the health and beauty of your smile.

To find out if dental implants are right for you, contact Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and schedule a consultation today.

If you have a misaligned bite, undergoing corrective jaw surgery could be in your best interests.

The goal of jaw surgery, also referred to as orthognathic surgery, is to correct functional problems. But after an oral surgeon repositions your jaws to be in proper alignment, your quality of life will improve in several ways.

Improved Appearance

When your jaws are misaligned, your face can look unbalanced from the front, the side or both. Orthognathic surgery works to realign the bite, and the adjustments made eliminate any noticeable asymmetry. A corrective jaw procedure can make a major difference, dramatically improving your facial appearance.

Easier Eating

Misalignment in the jaws often causes difficulties in chewing, biting and swallowing – and if you have a bite problem, certain foods may even be off-limits. After corrective jaw surgery, your teeth will meet properly and you will be able to eat anything you like with ease.

Clearer Speech

With a misaligned bite, pronouncing words correctly can be a challenge. Problems speaking can be quite embarrassing, and may even affect your self-confidence. Once an oral surgeon places your jaws in proper alignment, you will be able to talk clearly – the speech impediments will be gone.

Fewer Dental Issues

Bite misalignment often results in extra pressure on certain teeth, and the increased amount of wear and tear can result in damage, decay or even tooth loss. After jaw surgery, the pressure of your bite will be balanced and the risk of dental issues will be reduced.

Better Sleep

Misaligned jaws affect the anatomy of the airway and can be a contributing factor to obstructive sleep apnea, a dangerous condition characterized by repeated pauses in breathing at night. Orthognathic surgery can resolve obstructions in the airway to effectively treat sleep apnea.

No Jaw Joint Pain

A misaligned bite strains the jaw joints, or temporomandibular joints, and the added stress can create chronic pain. For many, the misalignment leads to the development of TMJ disorder and dysfunction in the joints. Orthognathic surgery can be an effective solution, eliminating pain and restoring joint mobility.

Can corrective jaw surgery improve your live? A board-certified local oral surgeon, like Dr. Partridge or Dr. Alderman at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, can perform an evaluation to determine if you can benefit from an orthognathic procedure.

At Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, our professional team has extensive experience in successfully completing routine and complex orthognathic surgeries for patients in the greater east central Indiana area. If you have a misaligned bite and want to learn more about corrective jaw surgery, contact us and schedule a consultation today.