Problems With My Teeth
Q.“Atmy age, it seems I’m always having problems with my teeth. Since I’ll probably lose them eventually, should I have there st pulled and have Dental Implants .”
A.Without even knowing your age or how many teeth you have remaining, there are very few incidences where I would recommend that you have a natural tooth removed as long as it can be saved. Regardless of age, keep in mind that today’s adults are staying in the workplace longer, being more active in senior years and living longer. Since 1950, Americans added over 11 years to average life expectancy, to over age 79, from 2013 statistics. Although females were once living an average of seven years longer than males, that gap has now narrowed to less than five. For adults ages 65 and over, an average of 16% of white and Hispanic adults were totally without natural teeth (with higher numbers of 29% for Blacks and 24% for Asians in this age group).
However, these percentages are improving. In 1971, a survey by the National Center for Health Statistics cited over 45% of age 65+ adults as being totally edentulous. And that figure had dropped from over 55% since a prior survey in 1957-58. In 2024, it is estimated that only 10% of Americans between 65 and 74 will be edentulous (having no natural teeth).
While adults are getting better at keeping their natural teeth, we still have a long way to go. I believe many adults would be more determined to keep their natural teeth if they had a better understanding of their value.
Natural teeth do more than aid in speech and chewing. Your tooth roots provide stimulation to the upper or lower jaw bone that nourishes it. This helps the bone to maintain its mass. Without these roots, the bone begins to ‘melt away’ in a process known as resorption. This bone loss is what contributes to a denture that begins to move or slip when eating, even though it may have fit snugly when first made.
When dentures slip and rub sore spots on tender gums, people often resort to a diet of soft foods that dissolve easily in the mouth. Typically, these foods are lacking in fiber and nutritional components necessary for a healthy diet. It is a fact that denture wearers take more medications and have more digestive problems than people with their natural teeth.
The social involvement of longtime denture wearers often suffers as well. Since many social outings are centered around food, denture wearers may start to avoid these invitations.
Resorption also contributes to changes in facial appearance. As bone height declines, deep wrinkles form around the mouth. The corners of the mouth turn downward, even in a smile. The chin becomes more pointed and jowls form as facial muscles detach from the shrinking bone. The mouth seems to collapse into the face, creating what is referred to as a ‘granny look.’
Additionally, the psychological issues that are associated with tooth loss have an effect that reaches far beyond the compromised ability to bite and chew dependably. Tooth loss has also been associated with feelings of depression, loss of self- esteem, being less involved socially and feeling less inclined to pursue career goals.
Obviously, losing teeth can impact one’s quality of life in a number of ways. In a survey of over
20,000 dentists by the Academy of General Dentistry, tooth extraction caused patients to reveal social embarrassment and being more likely to avoid social activities.
When an adult, at any age, expresses frustration with feeling they are caught in a dental office’s revolving door, an examination typically reveals they suffer with some level of periodontal (gum) disease. Like most diseases that form in our bodies, gum disease begins silently. When symptoms do emerge, they include tender gums that bleed when brushing, persistent bad breath, and gums that pull away from teeth (gum recession).
Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Sadly, it is estimated that nearly
48% of the American adult population have some level of gum disease. Yet, it is completely avoidable. Proper brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups and limiting sugar, caffeine and smoking can help you halt the cycle of continual dental repairs.
For the tooth loss you have already experienced, I highly recommend Dental Implants for replacement. Dental Implants restore the look, feel and function of natural teeth while boosting one’s ability to feel confident and eat comfortably. Another bonus? Dental Implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support as with partial dentures or crown&-bridge combinations. The implanted portion is held by your jaw bone, just as the natural tooth roots you once had. This helps to halt the process of bone loss. Dental Implants are also designed to last a lifetime, making them a wise investment!
You must first establish a healthy foundation and that begins with your gum health. Have a thorough periodontal exam to assess your current gum condition and combat existing disease, if any. We will also make home care recommendations to help you maintain good oral health between dental visits.
For more information, contact us at 501-2624010 or visit: www.atkinsonimplants.com.