Monthly Archives: June 2019

Benefits of dental implants

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Dental implants are today’s top choice for tooth restoration. Whether you have a single missing tooth or several gaps in your smile, implanted teeth are the ideal solution.

But why do oral surgeons, dental professionals and patients prefer dental implants? What’s so great about implanted teeth? Once you recognize their many remarkable advantages, you’ll understand.

Benefits of dental implants

Restore a Natural Smile

Dental implants look amazingly real – they’re designed to closely match the natural teeth in size, shape and shade. Bridges and dentures are often quite clearly fake, but implanted teeth almost always go completely unnoticed.

Preserve Healthy Teeth

Implants are stand-alone tooth restorations, relying on fusion with the jawbone for support and stability. Bridges and partial dentures, on the other hand, use the adjacent natural teeth for support – which leaves them at greater risk for decay.

Smile with Confidence

After fusing with the jawbone, dental implants never slip or shift out of place like bridges and dentures do. Implanted teeth remain permanently in place, allowing patients to talk and smile without any worries of potential embarrassment.

Enjoy Favorite Foods

With a bridge or dentures, hard, sticky and crunchy foods are off the menu. What’s more, tooth restorations that cover the roof of the mouth can dull flavors. With implanted teeth, this isn’t the case at all. Patients who have implants can consume anything they like – and everything tastes just as it should.

Prevent Bone Loss in the Jaw

Missing teeth lead to bone loss, as the jaw needs stimulation from tooth roots to maintain its density. Implants function as replacement roots, putting a stop to jawbone degeneration. Bridges and dentures do not, and as time goes on, patients with these tooth restorations often end up looking older than their years.

Easily Care for the Smile

Anyone looking for an easy daily oral hygiene routine won’t find it with a bridge or dentures – these tooth restorations require special attention. In contrast, dental implants are as easy to care for as the natural teeth. Patients with implanted teeth simply need to brush and floss as usual and schedule regular professional checkups.

Gain a Permanently Gorgeous Grin

Bridges and dentures need adjustments periodically, and eventually, patients need to invest in replacement tooth restorations. Implants, with proper care, remain stable, secure and beautiful for life. With that in mind, implanted teeth are a smart, long-term investment in oral health.

Do you have one or more missing teeth? If you’re considering dental implants and need an experienced oral surgeon in the east central Indiana area, turn to the professional team at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Dr. Partridge and Dr. Alderman, our board-certified oral surgeons, specialize in tooth restoration and can help you explore your options. Contact Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and schedule a consultation to discuss dental implants today.

How wisdom tooth removal affects sleep

How to Sleep After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Worried about how wisdom teeth removal will affect your sleep? You’re not alone – many patients share the same concern. And the truth is, the post-surgical discomfort can make getting enough shut-eye a bit more difficult.

Fortunately, with the right approach, you can sleep after wisdom teeth removal. Here, we explain how to get the rest you need when you’re recovering from a tooth extraction.

How wisdom tooth removal affects sleep

Take Your Pain Medication

When your anesthesia wears off, you may be in some pain – and any discomfort can hinder your efforts to fall asleep. Don’t try to tough it out. Instead, set yourself up for a good night’s sleep by taking your pain medication as directed by your oral surgeon.

Choose the Right Position

During the initial stages of healing, the tooth extraction site may ooze. Because of this, sleeping on your side is best, at least for the first night. Plus, if you lie flat on your back, you might experience more swelling. That could increase your pain and make resting an even greater challenge.

Elevate Your Head

After wisdom teeth extraction, you need to sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights. A single pillow should suffice when you’re sleeping on your side. If you’re having trouble falling asleep in that position, pile a few pillows behind you for support and lean back.

Follow Your Aftercare Instructions

For the best chance at snoozing the night away in comfort, you need to pay attention to your oral surgeon’s aftercare instructions. Take good care of yourself when you’re recovering from wisdom teeth extraction, and you’ll have a smoother and easier recovery experience.

To pave the way for a night of restful sleep, follow these guidelines:

  • Apply ice and heat as directed until the time you go to bed
  • Keep your physical activity to a bare minimum
  • Stay hydrated, but don’t drink from a straw
  • Don’t smoke or use tobacco in any form
  • Satisfy your appetite before hitting the sack – try milk, fruit smoothies, low-sodium broth or nutritional supplement drinks

Your oral surgeon may have additional recommendations. Listen to their advice, and you shouldn’t have much of a problem sleeping after wisdom teeth removal.

If you have worries about recovering from wisdom teeth extraction and you live in Wayne Township, Wayne County or the surrounding east central Indiana area, make an appointment at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

As wisdom tooth extraction specialists, Dr. Partridge and Dr. Alderman have years of experience helping patients through the process. The Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery team can answer your questions, address your concerns and offer expert advice on how to have a positive recovery experience. Contact us and schedule a consultation to discuss wisdom teeth removal today.