This is a common nightmare: we’re going about our day, maybe cleaning the house or driving, and all the sudden, we find our teeth on the floor. For Americans especially, teeth are incredible personal. When we smile, we want them to look white and beautiful, to show others that we are capable and confident. When something happens to our smile, especially something as dramatic as tooth loss, it can not only hurt or perceived self-image, but, according to a new study, there’s evidence that it can even cause anxiety and depression.
The Study
Presented at the 43rd Annual Meeting & Exhibition of the American Association for Dental Research (AADR), a study titled, “Association of Tooth Loss and Depression and Anxiety,” examined this potential link, and it’s possible causes. Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, researchers found that out of the participants who were 19 years or older, and had experienced tooth loss, 13.4% of the participants reported anxiety associated with tooth loss, and 16.7% reported depression.
The conclusion of this national study found that depression and anxiety are associated with tooth loss.
What Options Are There for Tooth Loss?
If you’ve lost a tooth recently or have lost a tooth in the past, there are several highly effective methods of treatment available, including dental implants. Dental implants consist of two main components, the titanium implant, and the custom designed crown. First, the implant is inserted into the jaw bone and given time to heal. Through a process known as osseointegration, the jaw bone and muscle tissue fuses with the implant, creating a secure connection similar to that of a natural tooth root. When this healing has taken place, a crown made from medical ceramic is attached to the implant.
Dental Implant Benefits
If you’ve lost one or multiple teeth, dental implants can give you back the confidence of your younger smile. Because each crown is made to match the shade of your other teeth, your dental implants are virtually undetectable. Unlike other tooth replacement methods, such as traditional dentures, dental implants function in much the same way as your natural teeth. They don’t require any special cleaning, just a normal oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing twice a day, and there is no danger of them falling out.
Another major benefit is that dental implants can help you to avoid loss of bone mass, as they stimulate the jaw to continue to repair itself. From an emotional standpoint, dental implants are the replacement most like your natural teeth. This means they may be most likely to help reverse the anxiety and depression you might experience due to tooth loss.
If you’re considering dental implants, the best thing you can do is schedule an appointment with an implant dentist. That way you can talk about specific concerns you might have, and how dental implants will fit into your life.
If you are missing one or more teeth and live in or around Mohegan Lake, New York, please call (914) 526-2144 or contact Advanced Dentistry of Mohegan Lake online to schedule a dental implant consultation.
