Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of dental implants. Websites, pop-up ads, and billboards on your commute to work advertise them as the Next Big Thing in restorative and prosthetic dentistry. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry reports that well over 3 million people now have at least one dental implant, and another 500,000 people are expected to join those ranks every year. Using a three-part titanium device whose design mimics the contours of a natural tooth, dental implants are the next best alternative to real teeth. Even if you thought you knew everything there was to know about dental implants, Ankeny IA dentist, Dr. Amanda Foust, shares a few surprising facts about this revolutionary procedure.
A Dental Implant Can Replace One Tooth or All Your Teeth
When you, the average consumer, think about dental implants, you probably imagine one of those anatomical diagrams or models of a single crown-topped implant. Although individual dental crowns are the most commonly placed implant-secured prosthetic, you might be surprised to learn that dental implants can also secure:
- Full dentures. If you’ve lost all the teeth on one or both of your dental arches, you likely wear a full denture plate. You’re likely also familiar with the inconveniences of dentures that slip out of place. Dental implant posts can stabilize a full denture plate, allowing you to forgo denture adhesives and returning to your dentist every few months for refitting.
- Partial dentures. As the name suggests, partials replace a few missing in a row. While your partial denture could be removable or secured via clasps, a dental implant secured partial denture lasts longer and provides better stability.
They’re Not Just for Older People
If you were asked to describe the average dental implant patient, you would probably describe someone in their 60s or older. However, experts place the median age of dental implant wearers at 52 and the health of the patient, more than their age, is the primary deciding factor when it comes to determining dental implant candidacy. Adults of all ages can receive dental implants and due to factors such as car accidents, sports injuries, the prevalence of gum disease, and the increasing popularity of the procedure, that median age is dropping every year.
Dental Implants Can Help You Live Longer
A joint report published by the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Biotechnology Information demonstrates a clear link between missing, damaged, and infected teeth and general quality of life. People with one or more missing teeth tend to have diets poor in heart-healthy fibrous foods and have a higher rate of developing chronic illnesses as they age. Replacing those missing teeth with dental implants allows you to enjoy a varied diet and feel confident speaking and smiling in social situations, all factors that contribute to improved health and well-being as you age.
About Dr. Amanda Foust:
Dr. Amanda Foust and her staff think that dental implants are pretty exciting! She partners with respected area periodontists and oral surgeons to ensure her patients receive the very best care throughout all phases of the implant procedure. To schedule your next appointment or consultation, contact us at (515) 965-0230. At Dental Impressions of Ankeny, we offer comprehensive dental services to patients of all ages from Polk City, Bondurant, Elkhart, Alleman, and surrounding cities.
