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Did You Know That by Age 50 Americans Have Lost an Average of 12 Teeth?

Many Americans lose their teeth, mainly because of cavities and periodontal disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, by age 17, 7 percent of people in the United States have lost at least one permanent tooth because of decay.

Among adults from 35 to 44-years-old, 69 percent have lost at least one permanent tooth. By age 50, Americans have lost an average of 12 teeth (including wisdom teeth). And among adults 65 to 74, 26 percent have lost all their teeth.

Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is the amount of available bone. Dr. Ted Filandrianos is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution.

The best dental implants are surgical-grade root devices that support permanent tooth prosthetics that are manufactured to last a lifetime. The artificial roots are anchored in the bone beneath the gums where they become fused to the jaw. A crown is mounted atop the implant for a long-lasting and natural looking smile. Many dentists and patients prefer dental implants because they offer the same function as natural teeth and also help prevent bone atrophy in the jaw. They can be used to replace a single missing or damaged tooth or to restore an entire smile.

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry reports that 3 million people currently have dental implants—a number that is rapidly growing every year. The implants of today look and feel natural, with a porcelain coating designed to make it look real. Most patients report that they forget the teeth are not their own. They can eat and drink whatever they chose, but most importantly, they will look and feel better; dental implants improve the quality of life in a very dramatic way.

“Implant dentistry today has among the highest success rates of any medical procedure,” said Dr. Ted Filandrianos who has practiced restorative dentistry since 1981, and is known as the “dentist’s dentist”.

Their practice is committed to providing not only a beautiful smile, but restoring good health, overall quality of life  and self esteem. It is a permanent solution. There are no loose parts to worry about and the dental implant is safe and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after placement, and normally, it will last for life.

All of this said, implants are not for everyone. Patients’ health and medical history may preclude them from being good candidates, especially if they have bone loss, diabetes or certain cardiac problems. A good candidate would be someone with healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant.There are so many modalities now in bone grafting and implant technology that there is a solution for nearly every patient who has a suitable medical history and is motivated to take care of the implant so plaque does not form and cause bone loss.

Consider your options. There is no need to go through life without a great smile! There is also no need to wear dentures or bridges. Talk to your dentist if you have a missing tooth (or more), or have periodontal disease or discolored teeth from disease or years of neglect. There are options, and nobody should forgo an opportunity to smile!