The American College of Prosthodontists reports that about 178 million American adults are missing at least one tooth. Nearly 40 million have lost all of their permanent teeth.

Regardless of the cause, tooth loss can have serious consequences on your oral health, diet, speech, appearance, and self-esteem. Dental implants provide a long-term solution for tooth loss that can improve more than just your smile. Here are 5 ways dental implant restorations can change your life:

1. Improve your speech. Missing teeth can leave gaps that cause vocal impediments. Dentures can be bulky or loose, leading to discomfort, slurred speech, and embarrassment. Dental implants stay secure and do not take up additional space in the mouth, so you can speak naturally.
2. Preserve your jawbone. The roots of teeth are naturally embedded in the jawbone. When the tooth and root are missing, your jaw’s bone structure can begin to deteriorate over time. Dental implants help to preserve and strengthen the bone, as natural teeth do.
3. Keep your teeth in place. When a tooth is lost, surrounding teeth can shift into the opening, distorting the shape of your smile and bite. Dental implants fill the gap and hold your surrounding teeth in their correct positions.
4. Look younger. During early adulthood, the teeth and jawbone work together to support facial features. When teeth are lost, facial skin can crease or droop near gaps. Jaw bone loss can lead to further loss of support, causing an unnaturally aged appearance. Dental implants restore your facial support and help preserve jaw bone structure.
5. Improve your smile. Gaps in your smile can leave you feeling self-conscious about your appearance. Dental implants look like natural teeth, restoring the beauty of your smile. Studies show that feeling good about your smile boosts your confidence and self-esteem.

To learn more about the benefits of dental implant restoration, contact our office for your consultation.

 

Do you ever think about your toothbrush? You use it twice a day, but how much do you know about it? We’ve compiled a list of interesting toothbrush facts. The next time you brush, consider these bits of trivia.

1. Toothbrushes may be less common than mobile devices

It is believed that more people own and use a mobile device than those who own and use a toothbrush. With nearly 8 billion mobile devices, the world has more mobile phones, tablets, and other gear than people. However, only 3.5 billion people are estimated to use a toothbrush.

2. Origin story

It is believed that the first modern toothbrush was invented by a prisoner in England. Sometime around 1780, William Addis created a toothbrush from bone and used swine bristle for the brush.

3. A long history

Long before Mr. Addis invented what we know as the toothbrush, ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, and Chinese crafted tools for cleaning their teeth. The ancient Chinese used “chewing sticks” to freshen breath as early as 1600 BCE.

4. What are the bristles?

Originally, toothbrush bristles were primarily made from cow hairs or boar hair. Today, nylon is the material of choice, and has been since the 1930s.

5. What color is your toothbrush?

Blue is the most common toothbrush color. The second most common color is red.

6. A home for bacteria

More than 100 million bacteria call your toothbrush home. You don’t get sick regularly because, like your toothbrush, your mouth is home to hundreds of millions of bacteria. Your body is quite effective at fighting off these germs, but if you don’t change your toothbrush regularly or share with someone else, you might catch an illness.

 

Now that you are a toothbrush expert, spread the word about the importance of regular brushing. Be sure to brush for two minutes twice each day. The American Dental Association recommends that you change your toothbrush every three to four months. If you have a weakened immune system or have been sick recently, you should replace your toothbrush.

For more dental care tips, or to schedule your next visit to our office, please contact us.

You have individual needs. At our practice, we understand that and pride ourselves on our ability to work with each patient on an individualized level. Sedation dentistry provides numerous benefits for different needs. When considering oral sedation dentistry, our team will take many factors into consideration including your overall health. However, if you fit into one of these groups, sedation dentistry might be the best option for you.

Dental Anxiety or Fear

Sedation dentistry can make a fearful trip to the dentist far more manageable. Each day in our office we work with patients who suffer from dental anxiety. Don’t let fear or nervousness hold you back from receiving the dental care you deserve. Contact us for more information.

Gag Reflexes

A routine dental examination can be problematic if you have an overactive gag reflex. Sedation dentistry as part of your dental treatment can be utilized in many of these cases. You will be able to relax comfortably in our office without needing to feel concerned about gagging.

Fear of Needles or IVs

Other sedation options may involve the use of needles or IVs. This can be an additional source of fear if you are anxious around needles. We use oral sedation, which does not utilize any needles or IVs.

Special Needs

Each patient has different needs. Oral sedation dentistry as part of your dental treatment can be beneficial to patients with hyperactivity or those who have difficulty remaining still. Our team is trained and experienced in working with patients with special needs. We will study your medical history before deciding on an appropriate course of action.

Oral sedation dentistry can be a welcome change for you. Don’t let fear, anxiety, or embarrassment prevent you from receiving routine dental care. We will work with you directly and evaluate your individual needs to determine if you are a candidate for oral sedation dentistry as part of your dental treatment. Know that you have options.

For more information about oral sedation dentistry as part of your dental treatment or to schedule your visit to our office, please contact us.