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Although great advancements have been made oral care, people still lose their pearly whites due to tooth decay. According to a recent study, about one-quarter of Americans aged 60 or over are entirely edentulous, i.e., they have no teeth. This group is growing; not because folks are ignoring oral care, but because we have an aging population. With 78 million members, the baby boomers are the largest generation in American history. Most are just now entering their golden years, which is when they'll lose most of their pearly whites. Now, we're not saying it is unavoidable, but most old people experience at least some tooth loss, no matter how often they brush, floss, and gargle. Replacement Options When you lose your chompers due to tooth decay, they really must be replaced. Failure to do so can lead to gum irritation, inflammation, and difficulty eating. For most of history, dentures were the only tooth replacement option. These artificial teeth are inexpensive and fairly natural looking -- at least the ones that are available today. Patients who are missing teeth can also have dental bridges put in, which are slightly more expensive but more permanent than dentures. Not only do they last a lot longer, up to 15 years, but they don't have to be removed and soaked in a cleaning solution each night. What Are Dental Implants? The newest and most advanced option for edentulous individuals are dental implants. These artificial teeth are actually screwed into the jawline and are more comfortable and attractive than either dentures or bridges. Let us take a moment to discuss the advantages of this increasingly popular option. - Much stronger. Most implants are made of titanium, which is one of the toughest metals on Earth. They are far more rugged and resilient than other replacement options. - Fewer complications. Both bridges and dentures actually increase your risk of gum irritation and inflammation and, in the case of bridges, serious gum infections or periodontitis. - Improved speech. Dentures, in particular, have a habit of popping out or coming loose, which can cause you to slur or mumble more than you should. Implants, on the other hand, will never come free, since they are screwed into your jawbone. - Easier chewing and eating. Unlike dentures which can slip and slid during mastication, implants function exactly like your natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods with confidence and without discomfort. - Durability. With good care, most models can last for decades, even for a lifetime. Furthermore, they can be brushed, flossed, and rinsed just like your natural teeth. Success Rates According to most cosmetic dentists, these false teeth have a success rate of around 98 percent. Better yet, there are precious few side effects after the initial pain and irritation from the surgery fades. The Drawbacks We would be sorely remiss if we did not mention the disadvantages of this procedure. Although we must say that none of them have anything to do with the actual product, which, according to most cosmetic dentists, is almost perfect. However, the cost can be prohibitive. While it is true that almost anyone with missing teeth can get bridges or dentures, they might not be able to afford implants. In fact, the average patient cannot pay for more than a few teeth. That is because most models cost between $1,000 and $3,000...each! Furthermore, implants are rarely covered by dental insurance. According to the insurance companies, edentulous patients should avail themselves of other, cheaper tooth replacement options. With that said, if you can afford them, they are easily the best tooth replacement option dentists offer. When looking for dentists, Kalamazoo, MI residents visit RoseWood Dental PLC. Learn more at http://www.rosewooddentistry.com/.
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