At Friendly Family Dentistry, every decision we make about your treatment begins and ends with what is the most conservative yet effective solution for you. Sometimes the solution will be a relatively simple procedure, while other times more complicated measures will be necessary.
We don’t take it lightly when we recommend that you consider having dental implants, because it is one of our more complicated procedures. However, we love the foundation that implants provide for us to rebuild your dentition and smile. If you are missing teeth, implants with their restorations can provide you with a worry-free replacement that will last a lifetime with proper care. Here are a few of the advantages that implants bring.
- Permanence – Implants are essentially a titanium “post” that is implanted into your jawbone. After placement, we wait for the bone to fill in around the implant so it will be very secure and the implant becomes permanent.
- Stability and Performance – The implant will provide such a stable foundation for the restorations that are added to it that you will feel like they are your “real” teeth. You will be able to eat an apple or ear of corn without worry. An implant is actually stronger than your own tooth was, and research has shown it can stimulate bone growth in the jawbone, helping to avoid additional bone loss.
- Versatile Solution – No matter how many teeth you are missing, implants can help fill the spaces. If you are missing a single tooth, replacing that tooth with an implant and crown means the adjacent teeth won’t be needed as abutments for a bridge. Or, if more teeth are missing, several implants might be used to provide the basis for a denture or permanent bridge. Imagine never having to worry again about removing your bridge or denture for cleaning, and, probably best of all — no more messy adhesives!
- A “Lifetime” of Smiles – You might be wondering how long your implants will last and how to care for them. Think of your implant as if it were a “real” tooth. Be sure to brush and floss all of your teeth every day. Don’t chew on hard candy or ice, and don’t grind your teeth. Try to avoid smoking, and maintain your regular dental checkups. With the right care, your implants really can last a “lifetime.”
If you have questions about dental implants or any other dental needs, please call us and schedule an appointment today. We are here to serve your dental needs in the Terre Haute, Indiana, area.