Middle-age and beyond can be difficult times. Your belly expands, your hairline disappears, and your body begins to rebel with weird aches and pains that have no apparent cause. Oh, and another thing, your smile tends to get worse. You might accumulate stains and chips. You might lose teeth altogether. If you’re between the ages of 50 and 64 and feel embarrassed by your smile, chances are you’re in good company. According to a poll conducted by the University of Michigan, nearly one in three middle-aged Americans feel ashamed by their smile, and even more admitted that dental issues have caused them pain, or have made eating difficult. Many of the cosmetic and dental issues middle-aged Americans face has to do with missing teeth.
If you’ve recently lost one or more teeth and feel embarrassed by the gaps in your smile, there is an answer: dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are one of the safest and most effective tooth replacement procedures there is. Unlike treatments like dentures or dental bridges, dental implants offer patients a permanent fixture inside their mouth that looks and functions just like a normal tooth. Two components make this treatment possible: the titanium implant, and the custom-designed crown that attaches to the implant.
The first is surgically inserted into your jawbone as part of the procedure. Through a process known as osseointegration, bone matter begins to fuse with your implant, creating a connection that is similar to a tooth root. During this period, which lasts between 3-6 months, you will wear a temporary crown. When your body has completely accepted the implant, a permanent crown will then be attached. This crown will be crafted to be the exact shade of your other teeth, making it virtually impossible to detect.
Look Younger and Feel Younger
Losing your natural teeth can feel like the cherry on top of the already difficult parts of aging. But you don’t have to accept tooth loss as inevitable. Dental implants can provide you with a permanent solution, making your smile look younger, and making you feel younger. The best part? With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, meaning you won’t have to replace them in the future. On top of this, dental implants can actually help you to retain bone mass in your jaw, making your jaw look more youthful.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
There are a few factors that can make the dental implant procedure difficult. Advanced gum disease can make it difficult for your body to fully attach to the titanium implant, opening up the possibility of dental implant failure. Tobacco use can also interfere with implant healing. Fortunately for you, these and other complications can be overcome with the help of your dentist.
To determine if dental implants are right for you, schedule an appointment with your dentist!
If you are missing one or more teeth and live in or around our office by Mohegan Lake, NY, please call or contact Advanced Dentistry of Mohegan Lake online to schedule a dental implant consultation.