Thankfully, patterns in tooth loss are changing and it is expected that in the coming decades, the instances of individuals losing their teeth will decline. This is largely due to an uptick in preventive education and availability of treatments as well as the access to oral health being more readily accessible for those in a lower socioeconomic standing.
However, this good news is limited. Recent studies show that 66% of adults have at least one tooth extracted, highlighting the need for further education to be available for those that need it. Tooth loss isn’t only due to poor oral hygiene however. Injury accounts for many individuals losing one or several of their teeth and genetics to have a part to play in the health of an individual’s teeth and gums, to a certain degree.
So action is needed for not only preventive measures but restorative as well, giving individuals the opportunity to enjoy a quality of life again after experiencing the loss of a tooth. Thankfully, there are treatments available to replace missing teeth. Depending on a patient’s overall health, their options may be limited, but a dentist will go through the finer details with their patient during a consultation.
Treatments include a bridge, dentures or dental implants in Herefordshire. Each has their advantages in certain situations, however the latter treatment is generally favoured by both patients and dentists as it is the most durable, reliable and comfortable of the three.
How is this so?
This treatment is a more permanent fixture, lasting for several decades in the mouth without the need for additional intervention. The materials used for this treatment adds to this, as the titanium rod that makes up the physical implant is a substance that is known to bond with bone.
Couple this with reliable, top of the range crowns that look and feel realistic in shape, size and colour so that they are fully functional and look great in the mouth as well.
In contrast, dentures sit on the gums, rather than penetrate into the jaw as natural teeth do. As a result, the jaw bone will naturally recede away from teeth where there are gaps because it is no longer stimulated as it should be.
This can lead to premature aging and complications with surrounding teeth as they become more unstable with less bone to support the area. Although bone grafts are available for people wishing to replace their dentures with the implant treatment or regain their smile again after going so long without it, it is better for the body in general if the move was made quickly after tooth loss to replace them in this permanent fashion.
Some people, such as those suffering with osteoporosis or those who have other health concerns that may prevent them from healing effectively may not be suitable for this implant treatment. By discussing with their dentist what their personal situation is and the options that are best available to them, individuals will be able to determine what the best course of action will be to regain their smile and bring it to full functionality yet again.
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