By Chie Li Ee DMD, PA and Chrissy Boothroyd
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 120 million Americans are missing one or more teeth. 35 to 36 million are missing all of their teeth in one or both jaws.
The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) has designated August as Dental Implant Month to inform the public about the benefits of dental implants to replace missing teeth.
Missing teeth are detrimental to a person’s long-term health, and replacing them can dramatically improve a person’s confidence, smile and chewing ability. Luckily, the advances in implant dentistry have made it possible for people with missing teeth to confidently speak, enjoy their favorite foods and function as they would with natural teeth.
The consequences of not replacing missing teeth go beyond appearances, negatively impacting the health and stability of adjacent and opposing teeth. Open spaces where teeth should be causes teeth to shift and move, becoming mobile, eventually leading to more tooth loss.
Dental implants have revolutionized dentistry by offering a much more stable and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth. They can be utilized for single or multiple missing teeth in a variety of different ways. A dental implant is a titanium post that simulates the root of a natural tooth and can support a crown, bridge or overdenture. They are very durable and can last a lifetime when properly cared for with regular brushing, flossing and routine check-ups. Modern dental implants started gaining popularity in the 1950s when titanium became the material of choice. Titanium is used due to its compatibility with bone and oral tissues. The earliest attempts at dental implants date back to 600 A.D. The Mayans were using carved stones such a jade and pieces of seashells as implants. Jawbones have been discovered from that time period with the “implants” still in place.
Because dental implants provide the same function as a natural tooth root, they are becoming the optimum treatment choice for many adults that have lost permanent teeth. The number of Americans with dental implants is estimated to be about three million and rising with a long term success rate of over 95 percent, according to the AAID.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ee today to determine what will best help you achieve your dental goals. As an Associate Fellow with the AAID, Dr. Ee can answer any questions or concerns that you have about dental implants. Cape May Dental Associates welcomes new patients and is always happy to answer any questions about your dental health. Call (609)884-5335, visit www.capemaydental.com, follow us on Facebook or email us at info@capemaydental.com today.
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