George Washington’s famously uncomfortable dentures robbed him of his smile and made it difficult for him to eat and speak normally. Thankfully we have better options to replace teeth lost through tooth decay, disease or injury.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are replacement tooth roots in the shape of a posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium, a metal that is well-suited to pairing with human bone. The post then provides a strong foundation for replacement teeth that are designed to blend in with your natural teeth, providing you with an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
There are numerous advantages to dental implants. Most patients find dental implants to be more durable, stable, and comfortable that other tooth replacement options such as dentures and bridges. Additionally, dental implants prevent bone loss and support your other natural teeth, but perhaps the most important benefit is the restoration of your confidence and well-being found in knowing that you can eat, chew, smile, talk, and look completely natural.
What is involved in getting dental implants?
Once the dentist has made an evaluation of your mouth and teeth, there are three general phases to getting an implant:
Are you a candidate?
Most people who have lost a tooth are good candidates for implants. Ideal candidates for dental implants are non-smokers who have good oral health, including sufficient amount of bone in the jaw and healthy gums with no sign of gum disease.
Let the trained professionals at Dr. Roberts Family Dentistry help you determine if dental implants can help you rejuvenate both your smile and your oral health.
The possible link between gum health and heart health has been researched and debated for many years. While there is no proven link between gum disease and heart disease, there is much anecdotal evidence that the two diseases often strike the same people.
Many cardiologist point to the mouth as a “warning signpost.” This is because the risk factors that can lead to periodontitis, such as smoking, age, and diabetes, can also lead to heart disease. This does not mean one causes the other, but it does mean a person with serious gum disease may also be at risk of heart disease, and vice versa.
If you know you have or are at risk of heart disease, be sure to tell your dental professional so we can be on the lookout for periodontal disease. Likewise, if you come to us with a periodontal problem, we may encourage you to talk to your doctor about your heart health. At Dr. Roberts Family Dentistry, we’re concerned not just with your oral health but with your whole health; we believe healthy teeth and gums are a major contributor to a healthy lifestyle in general.
Risk factors of both heart and gum disease include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and inactive lifestyle. Addressing these risk factors and making efforts to live an active, healthy lifestyle will lower your risk of heart disease and gum disease, and will generally improve your quality of life.
