The statistics alone could “tip” your choice. No one is immune.

Tooth loss happens. Here’s what we know…

Statistics reveal that up to 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have experienced tooth loss. At least one permanent tooth has been lost by this age group as result of an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal, or tooth decay.

And even more astounding…

By age 74, 26% of adults have lost not just one, but ALL, of their permanent teeth.

The big question (besides controllable, dental care issues): is there a healthy, attractive “fix” that will enable you to do the big-three following tooth loss?

The Big-3? 

There’s a practical impact that accompanies missing teeth. Most important is the clinical and ongoing oral health impact.

You could live unaware that gum deterioration and bone loss are occurring. The impact your missing tooth or teeth have on surrounding teeth might not present any noticeable evidence for months.

But that’s no reason to ignore the impact.

Practically speaking, you’re most likely to feel the loss in your daily routine. Losing your teeth affects the big-3 dental functions – your ability to eat (chew), speak (clearly), and smile (confidently).

The common “fix”

Typically you would repair the gap caused by missing teeth with a fixed bridge or removable dentures. These are common treatments and could be your best, current option.

Understand that these tooth replacement options are far from perfect. Dentures can slip, make a clicking noise when eating or speaking, and – in some cases – lead to bone loss beneath your gums.

A fixed bridge comes with side-effects too. Dental bridgework can affect adjacent healthy teeth and any existing, recurrent tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease cause more problems for fixed bridges.

And there’s the issue of long-term costs. Fixed bridges and removable dentures require replacement every seven to 15 years, on average.

Another option to keep you eating, speaking, and smiling with ease

Tooth loss is traumatic enough. You want to continue doing the basic things your teeth are designed to do and keep them healthy too.

Keep your gums, adjacent teeth, and jawbone healthy. And continue eating, speaking, and smiling without fear or reduced ability.

How?

Dental implants are solid, long-term, healthy replacements for your missing tooth/teeth. They will not slip, make noise (when speaking or eating), or keep you from confidently smiling.

You can trust your dental implant treatment to provide long-lasting wear. They won’t decay and bone loss is not a problem for your dental implant.

Missing teeth shouldn’t cause more problems than the initial trauma. Guard your dental health and enjoy the practical benefits of your teeth – eating, speaking, and smiling – by choosing dental implants.

Question: Have you considered replacing your missing teeth? Is there a reason/reasons you would choose a dental bridge or removable dentures over dental implants? Comment.