Dental implants replace missing teeth

As we grow older, we are more likely to lose teeth, due to normal wear and tear, repeated dental procedures, trauma, or a history of insufficient oral hygiene. According to The Center for Disease Control & Prevention, 26 percent of people over 65 no longer have any of their natural teeth.

Some issues more common among seniors, and which can cause tooth loss, include:

• Loss of enamel or dentin due to extensive wear
• Untended gum disease
• Diseases such as cancer or diabetes

 

Seniors are also more likely to suffer from:

• Inflamed gums
• Oral thrush (a fungal infection)
• Dry mouth (often caused by medications)

 

Any of these problems can cause tooth loss, leading to the necessity for restoration. While traditionally older folks have turned to dentures, dentures have been shown to cause bone loss, discomfort in chewing, and speech problems, as well as requiring extensive cleaning and maintenance.

Because of the inconvenience and occasional discomfort of the traditional denture, more seniors are turning to dental implants as an alternative for restoration. A dental implant is a more permanent and durable option than a bridge or dentures, and is often indistinguishable from a natural tooth. Dr. Jamie Sands and Dr. Jason Sands can evaluate your situation and make a recommendation based on the quality of the bone in your mouth, the condition of your existing teeth, and other factors that can affect the long-term success of a dental implant.

If your teeth have been missing for a period of time, you might have suffered bone loss in the jawbone, but today’s technology can still provide a solution. Bone grafts and other implants to shore up the jawbone can make a dental implant possible even when the jawbone alone is unable to support the implant. A consultation at Smiles By Sands will give you all the information you need to make the decision about whether dental implants are right for you.

For additional information on dental implants, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jamie Sands and Dr. Jason Sands, please call our office at 818-766-6121. We’ll do everything we can to help you decide how to proceed in your dental care.