Benefits Of All-On-Four® Dental Implants

Since the late 90s, the All-On-4 dental implant procedure has been refined and made more widely available throughout America and the world. Not only did this procedure prove to be more effective than traditional dentures, but it provided a permanent solution to missing teeth. At Same-Day Implants, we are happy to provide this revolutionary procedure for patients who would benefit. However, before making any final decisions, we always perform a comprehensive exam using state-of-the-art cone beam 3D CT scans, digital x-rays, as well as a full oral exam. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of All-On-4 dental implants.

What Are All-On-4 Dental Implants?

When a single-tooth implant procedure is performed, the crown is supported by one dental implant. However, oral health experts have discovered that with precise placement of dental implants in the jawbone, a full arch of teeth can be supported by only four dental implants. Not only is this procedure better for patients, but it’s much easier for periodontists to perform, meaning they can often complete the procedure in one day! Let’s take a look at some of the main benefits of All-On-4 dental implants.

Permanent Solution

Above all else, All-On-Four dental implants are a permanent solution to your dental woes. For many people, old and young, tooth decay and tooth loss is a huge threat to their well-being. Although dental implants will fully restore the functionality and feel of your natural teeth, gum disease and peri-implantitis are still very real threats, so it’s important to maintain your implants the same as you would your natural teeth.

High Satisfaction Rate

Most people don’t experience what it’s like to have a brand new set of teeth during their lives, but the ones who do are rarely dissatisfied! According to a study published in SciELO, 91 percent of patients treated with implant-supported prostheses were overall satisfied with their experience while other studies show even higher degrees of satisfaction months and years after their procedure.  

Increased Confidence

It’s never easy living with decaying or missing teeth. Not only do you have to deal with the reduced functionality, but a reduced confidence level as well. Since full-arch prosthetic teeth are pre-made, they are designed to look exactly like your real teeth and blend in seamlessly with your gum line. Most people are surprised to find out that the patient doesn’t have any of their natural teeth which can be a huge confidence booster!

Restored Functionality

The most important reason to have an All-On-4 Procedure done is the restored functionality. Chances are, you have fond memories of being able to eat what you want, when you want it; or, maybe you’ve never experienced this. Either way, All-On-4 is the only effective way to restore the strength and bite force of your natural teeth.

 

What makes the All-On-4 procedure so unique is its ability to restore full functionality with limited intrusiveness. Instead of all implants being placed straight like with single-tooth or multiple tooth replacement, the two outermost implants are slanted, increasing the bite force they are able to withstand. Without this, a full arch prosthesis would need more than four implants to support it.

Facial Restoration

When a tooth falls out, the process of resorption begins. What this means is that bone tissue is lost in the jaw because it’s no longer supporting a tooth. This causes the jaw to have a “sagging” appearance and can only be restored if the teeth are replaced. All-On-4 will increase bone tissue production in the jaw resulting in a more natural shape. Behind functionality, this is often one of the biggest concerns patients have.

Contact Same-Day Implants

You don’t have to live with less than optimal tooth function and appearance. All-On-4 dental implants are the most effective way to restore your natural feeling teeth. The best part of all is that you may qualify for a same-day implant procedure, meaning you could be walking out with a brand new pair of teeth with no downtime, all in the same day as your initial consultation! Don’t hesitate to give us a call and schedule an appointment.

When Should Broken Teeth Be Extracted?

If you’ve ever chipped or broken a tooth, it can be a scary situation. Ideally, you want to hang on to your natural teeth as long as possible unless they’re decaying or have developed periodontal disease, which could compromise your oral health. On the other hand, you don’t want to necessary jump straight to extraction as your only solution. In this blog, we’re going to cover damaged teeth so that you’ll have a good idea of what solutions you have available to you.

What Causes A Damaged Tooth?

There are a number of things that can result in a chipped or damaged tooth. This could include pressure from grinding teeth, biting down on a hard food like nuts or candy, a sports injury, or car injury. Oftentimes, when a tooth becomes damaged, people don’t even notice until someone sees it. However, if the damage is on the top of the crown, you may feel it with your tongue.

Types Of Damaged Teeth

Craze lines are very small cracks in the top layer of your teeth, the enamel. These are not very noticeable and usually do not require any treatment.

A fractured cusp is a crack starts near a dental filling. Since this crack doesn’t affect the pulp of your tooth, it’s almost always painless.

Vertical cracks that haven’t reached the gum line can be serious, but if it has made it to the gum line, you may need to get the tooth extracted. Contact a dentist immediately if you have a vertical crack in your tooth.

Split teeth are very serious medical emergencies and result from a crack that goes all the way from the top of the crown to below the gum line. If the separation is severe enough, you’ll most likely need an extraction.

Root fractures occur below the gum line. Since you can’t see these cracks, you may only discover it because of the pain or because it got infected.

Teeth that don’t need to be removed can be fixed in one of several ways.

Fillings

A filling is just what it sounds like: a way to fill in a missing part of your tooth. Just like when you get a cavity and fill in the decayed area, you do the same with a crack or chip in your tooth. Fillings allow your teeth to regain the strength and durability they had before the incident and prevents bacteria from getting inside.

Crown

A crown or a “dental crown” is placed over a tooth in order to improve its strength, shape, and size. Dental crowns are commonly used when there is a crack in the tooth because it holds it together and prevents it from breaking. However, this is not always the best solution to a broken tooth, especially if it risks being infected.

When Can A Tooth Not Be Saved?

The three most common reasons for removing teeth are disease, trauma, and crowding, according to the American Dental Association. If your dentist indicates that the crack is too severe or there’s a chance it will be infected, you will most likely need to have it extracted. Once you have a tooth extracted, you will have many options for tooth replacement.

Bridge

A bridge is designed to replace one or two teeth. A bridge is designed to be fixed onto surrounding teeth and there is a fake crown that goes over the area where your tooth is missing. What this means is that the new tooth is supported by your surrounding teeth. This is not always ideal because it could damage your natural teeth resulting in more problems.

Dental Implant

A dental implant is the most natural and effective replacement for a natural tooth. The implant goes directly into the jaw and is held in place using the same periodontal function as your natural tooth root. If you are missing a tooth due to an extraction, always go to a periodontist who specializes in dental implants like Same-Day Implants. We’ll perform a comprehensive consultation so that you understand your oral health and what all of your options are moving forward. Give us a call today if you have any questions.

Do Dental Implants Stain?

If you’ve kept up with our blog recently, you know that we’ve been talking about some of the best home remedies for whitening your teeth. One of the solutions we gave was dental implants. Although the main purpose of dental implants is to provide you with an alternative to natural teeth when your natural teeth are no longer functioning the way they used to, it’s important to note the aesthetic improvements as well. In this blog, we’ll talk a little bit about the potential for staining with dental implants.

A Fresh Start

One of the main benefits of dental implants in terms of both functionality and aesthetics is that it offers you a fresh start. Teeth decay — it’s a natural part of getting older. However, with dental implants, you’ll be starting over with a fresh pair of white and durable implants that function just like your natural teeth. If you’ve lost teeth in the past due to poor oral hygiene or a traumatic injury, you’ll have a second chance at having great teeth. Although dental implants can stain, maintaining your oral health practices will allow you to keep them white just like your natural teeth. You’ll also never have to worry about tooth decay ever again!

Expert Advice

When you have a dental implant procedure done by a board-certified periodontist, you’ll have the benefit of having an expert opinion regarding maintaining your dental implants. Although, for the most part, maintaining your dental implants is similar to maintaining your natural teeth in that you’ll need to brush at least twice a day and floss once per day, there are several other considerations you’ll need to take note of if you and your periodontist opt for All-on-4® dental implants. Be sure to speak with your periodontist about this when you go in for an exam.

Contact Same-Day Implants

Although staining is certainly possible with dental implants, it can be avoided regularly through proper oral hygiene and making regular trips to your periodontist and dentist for cleaning. At Same-Day Implants, we take pride in being able to help patients regain the functionality and appearance of their natural teeth including the radiant glow that comes along with having healthy teeth. When you come in for your first exam, we will work to understand your goals as well as your oral health condition so that you can make the best decision possible about your future. We offer both single-tooth and All-on-4 dental implants.

The Best Ways To Whiten Teeth – Part 2

Hello, and welcome back to our blog here at Same-Day Implants. If you recall from last time, we covered several ways for you to whiten your teeth without spending thousands on teeth whitening products. In this blog, we’ll talk about several more ways to whiten up your teeth in addition to improving your overall oral health. If you have any questions, be sure to contact your local periodontists at Same-Day Implants.

Avoid Smoking

It’s no secret that smoking causes tooth discoloration. Not only does smoking stain teeth over years of smoking, but people who smoke regularly have an increased likelihood of contracting gum disease and other serious oral health issues. According to a study in the Journal of Periodontology, people who smoke are three times more likely to experience moderate to severe gum disease. Think of this next time you pull out a cigarette: not only are your teeth getting stained, you’re also putting yourself at higher risk for oral health conditions.

Oil Pulling

Believe it or not, coconut oil can be used as a natural teeth whitening agent. Not only is coconut oil known for whitening teeth, but it has antimicrobial properties, meaning it’s also great for cleaning and protecting gums as well. You can either swish with coconut oil right after brushing or apply some oil directly to the brush itself in addition to your toothbrush. According to the Journal of Contemporary Dental Hygiene, oil pulling is a safe and effective way of whitening teeth and generally improving your overall oral health without side effects and without spending thousands on oral care products to achieve the same results.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains compounds like acetic acid, magnesium, potassium enzymes, and probiotics. These components will help eliminate bad bacteria while encouraging the growth of good bacteria that will keep your mouth healthy. The acidity will help to eliminate plaque while removing stains and whitening your teeth. The only trick is to make sure you brush after using apple cider vinegar because the acidity will damage the enamel on your teeth otherwise. Unlike oil pulling, you should avoid applying apple cider vinegar to the teeth via your toothbrush. Instead, use your finger or a cloth to gently rub it on, then wash immediately. You should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.

Contact Same-Day Implants

Although the main purpose of dental implants is to restore the functionality you once had with your natural teeth. Dental implants also play an important role in providing you with a healthier smile. If you’ve lost teeth for whatever reason, whether due to physical injury or an oral health condition like periodontal disease, you may be a candidate for our same-day dental implant procedures.

At Same-Day Implants, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive oral exam to determine the best course of action for restoring your oral health and functionality. Contact us today to learn about our single-tooth dental implants and All-on-4 dental implants.

The Best Ways To Whiten Teeth

Let’s face it, we’ve all gone on Google at one point or another and typed, “how to whiten my teeth.” Although we all want to keep the “white” in “pearly whites,” there seems to be a lot more questions out there than there are answers. In this blog, we hope to provide you with a few ways to whiten your teeth so that you don’t have to stress over it.

Oftentimes, people will take desperate measures for whitening their teeth resorting to products that use dangerous chemicals. And according to Heathline.com, Americans spent more than $11 billion on teeth whitening products — $1.4 billion of which was at-home whitening products. After reading this blog, you should have a few different options for whitening your teeth without breaking the bank or resorting to using harmful chemicals.

The Cause Of Yellow Teeth

Before we can talk about the best ways to whiten teeth, it’s important to establish what exactly causes yellow teeth in the first place. Poor oral hygiene is most certainly one of the major culprits of yellow teeth. If you forget to brush or don’t brush well enough, plaque will begin to grow on your teeth and eventually make them look yellow.

Gum recession can also cause teeth to appear more yellow; this typically occurs as a result of gum disease or periodontal disease — two of the most common oral health conditions in America. Gum recession results mainly due to the inflammation caused by bacteria in the mouth, however, physical wear and damage can also play a role. Once gums begin to recede, the root of the tooth will be exposed. This part of the tooth has no enamel, and as a result, will appear more yellow or brown in color than the crown of the tooth. Many people don’t realize this is happening, so they resort to whitening methods or brush more vigorously instead of repairing the gum tissue.

Another cause of yellow teeth could be the food or drink you are consuming. If you’re a fan of coffee (who isn’t?) then you’re probably well aware of the staining it will cause. But that’s not the only thing that will cause staining. Try cutting back on foods like curry, balsamic vinegar, and carbonated drinks like sugary soda. Another important thing to note is that you should avoid brushing immediately after consuming something acidic. Instead, wash your mouth out with water and wait about 30 minutes before you brush. This will prevent damage to your enamel according to Colgate.  

Brush More Frequently

Since plaque buildup can lead to receding gums and yellow teeth, it’s only natural that brushing more frequently and consistently will make your teeth more white. Most dentists recommend brushing once in the morning and once at night right before bed. However, as aforementioned, it’s important to avoid brushing right after eating acidic foods or brushing to vigorously in order to avoid damaging gum tissue. Aside from that, brushing more will only help you regain those pearly whites you once had!

Create Your Own Mouthwash

One effective way to whiten your teeth is to make your own mouthwash made of hydrogen peroxide with water and swishing it around your mouth for a minute. The hydrogen peroxide will eliminate harmful bacteria in your mouth and help prevent bad breath. Try mixing the hydrogen peroxide with baking soda instead of water to form a paste that can be applied directly to the teeth and gums. Just make sure there isn’t too much baking soda in your mixture. If the baking soda isn’t diluted enough, it could rub the enamel right off your teeth.

Visit An Oral Health Specialist

At the end of the day, these home remedies should help you regain that bright white color your teeth had when you were younger. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re still seeing an oral health specialist regularly. If you’ve been struggling with maintaining healthy teeth and have lost teeth due to periodontal disease, it’s time for you to speak with a periodontist about dental implants. At Same-Day Implants, we offer everything from oral exams and oral cancer screening to single-tooth dental implants and All-on-4 dental implants. Contact us today.

Causes Of Itchy Gums

There are many different sensations someone can feel in their mouth from sharp pains caused by cavities, to soreness in the gums. It can be confusing at times to know exactly what’s going on and why we’re experiencing these things. What’s more confusing is that sometimes these sensations come and go depending on the day.

One of the most confusing sensations people may feel is itchiness in the gums. We tend to think of our gums as a part of the body that never gets itchy, but it is possible in certain cases. Keep reading to learn about what could be causing this.

Allergies

For many people, their initial reaction would be that there is some sort of allergic reaction going on. It’s entirely possible that this could be what’s causing your itchy gums. Seasonal allergies don’t just cause the eyes and nose to be itchy and irritated, they can also lead to itchy gums. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), people who are allergic to pollen like ragweed or birch might experience a condition called oral allergy syndrome.

Also known as pollen-food syndrome, oral allergy syndrome is often caused by raw fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, or pollen. The reaction is the result of the immune system recognizing the proteins in these things as harmful. This condition results in itchiness in the throat, lips, and gums and can often cause swelling. Although pollen and raw fruits or vegetables may seem unrelated, the reaction is caused by something called cross-reactivity. What this means is that these foods may have similar proteins to whatever pollen is causing your allergies, meaning something as simple as an apple could cause a reaction for you.

If you have food allergies, whether it’s to seafood, nuts, or any other food item, you’re probably already familiar with what an allergic reaction feels like. Although an allergic reaction typically causes itchiness and swelling in the throat and around the outside of the mouth, it can also cause the gums to itch.

Post-Surgery Itch

It’s not uncommon for people to experience an itchy feeling in their gums after having surgery. People who just had their wisdom teeth removed report having an itch in the area where the incisions were made and is a result of the healing process. In order to prevent this, you can try rinsing with salt water, or asking your dentist about other possible ways to reduce the itching and inflammation.

No matter what type of surgery you had done, don’t try to scratch or rub the area that is healing. It could potentially heal more slowly or incorrectly as a result. When brushing, ensure that you’re not brushing the affected area either on accident or to relieve the itch. Your oral health specialist may recommend specific mouthwashes or toothpastes that will help keep bacteria out of the area, reducing inflammation and itchiness.

Gum Disease

There are many signs of impending gum disease or that gum disease is already present. Itchiness, along with swelling, inflammation, pain, or bleeding are all signs that you may have gum disease. In this case, improving your oral hygiene routine and visiting your local periodontist to diagnose the condition should be your first steps for treating it. Once you no longer have gum disease and bacteria is brought under control, you shouldn’t feel anymore itchiness in your gums.

Plaque

After eating, food particles, sugar, and bacteria combine to form a film on the teeth called plaque. Although brushing thoroughly will remove this, if it’s left on the teeth or gums long enough, it will start to infect and irritate the gums. You should be brushing twice a day in order to keep plaque from turning to tartar and leading to serious oral health conditions. Plaque can also form in between the teeth, so you need to make sure you’re flossing at least once a day in order to break it up and remove bacteria. Flossing is also a good way to massage gums that are feeling itchy and irritated while at the same time making improving their health. If you have any questions about maintaining good oral hygiene habits, speak with your local periodontist.

Contact Same-Day Implants

If you’re experiencing itchy gums, it could be for any number of reasons. Allergies, gum disease, plaque, and post-surgery itchiness are all fairly common. If you believe you may be experiencing itchiness due to an extracted or lost tooth, you should speak with a periodontist at Same-Day Implants. We specialize in replacing natural teeth with dental implants that can help you regain the functionality and aesthetic appeal that you once had with your real teeth. If you have any questions or you want to schedule an appointment, contact us today about our dental implants in Seattle.

The Importance Of Oral Cancer Screening

When you go to see an oral health specialist, you’re probably going for just one reason like checking for cavities, having your teeth professionally cleaned, or to ask about dental implants or extractions. But are you aware that many oral health specialists will offer oral cancer screenings along with their normal exams or consultations? If oral cancer is caught in its early stages it can be treated more easily and with a higher rate of success. At Same-Day Implants we offer oral cancer screenings along with our dental implant exams. Contact us today to learn more or keep reading to learn about the importance of oral cancer screening.

According to 123dentist.com, around 84 percent of cases of oral cancer can be detected by an oral cancer screening. This is hugely beneficial considering around 51,540 get oral oropharyngeal cancer and 10,030 die from it each year according to The American Cancer Society.

How It Works

An oral cancer screening is when an oral health specialist looks for signs of precancerous or cancerous conditions within your mouth. The ultimate goal of a screening is to detect cancer sooner rather than waiting until symptoms reveal themselves. Your dentist, periodontist, or other health specialist will start by checking for red or white patches or mouth sores inside the mouth. He or she will feel for any lumps or other abnormalities that could be the indication of a tumor. Some tests may involve rinsing your mouth with a special dye that will reveal cancerous cells or    

 

Aside from using a flashlight, mirror, and tongue depressor to locate areas that could be problematic, there are several other tools an oral health specialist will use to help detect oral cancer including the Oral CDx that can remove certain cells in the mouth for cancer testing; VELscopes uses a blue light to detect suspicious tissues in the mouth; and the Orascoptic DK is a mouth rinse that will help reveal certain tissues as well.

Why It Matters

The problem with oral cancer is that it can often be difficult to detect. Oftentimes, oral cancers or dysplasias in its early stage show no signs of being harmful and instead, look like normally-appearing oral lesions. Another reason they’re difficult to detect is because they typically start very small, colorless, and don’t cause any bleeding or pain. As a result, patients usually aren’t aware of their presence. According to CDX Diagnostics, around 15 percent of people have oral lesions, and most people that do have more than one. This means it would be very difficult to biopsy every each one of them.

Most oral health specialists will check for potentially cancerous signs while giving an exam, but this is never a perfect process considering they’re not specifically inspecting each legion and having it tested. This is where an actual oral screening can be useful because each lesion will get more attention and your oral health specialist will perform a number of tests to help with the diagnostics.

Risk Factors

There are several major risk factors that may increase your risk of oral cancer. As such, if these apply to you, you may benefit from an oral cancer screening.

Tobacco use – If you use tobacco products of any kind such as chewing tobacco, cigars, pipes, or cigarettes, you are at a higher risk of oral cancer.

Alcohol consumption – According to Drinkware, a charity that raises awareness for alcohol misuse in the UK, a 2010 study showed that people who had over four drinks a day were five times more likely to have a pharynx cancer as opposed to people who never drank.

High sun exposure – Oral cancer also refers to cancer on the lips and around the mouth and since your lips may see a lot of exposure to the sun, this could increase your risk of oral cancer.

If any of these conditions apply to you, you should speak with your oral health specialist about an oral cancer screening.

Contact Same-Day Implants

At Same-Day Implants in Seattle, we are proud to offer our patients oral cancer screenings, along with bite and jaw joint exams, and more during our regular dental implant exams. Contact us today to learn more.

How Does Dry Mouth Affect The Teeth?

Chances are, you’ve experienced dry mouth at some point in your life. Maybe you went on a long run and didn’t have enough water beforehand, or maybe you drank a lot of coffee throughout the day and didn’t drink enough water. You may have even had trouble speaking, chewing, or swallowing when your mouth was dry.

Although dry mouth (xerostomia) may seem relatively harmless, it can actually cause some pretty severe health conditions if it’s left unchecked. Keep reading to learn more.

What does saliva do?

Talking about saliva is never the most pleasant of conversations you can have, but it’s an important one because saliva actually plays an important role in our health. Our saliva is 98 percent water and is produced in the salivary glands. The other two percent consists of many important substances including electrolytes, mucus, antibacterial compounds and various enzymes. Everyone has three pairs of these glands under and behind the jaw, sublingual, and submandibular. There are also tiny salivary glands all over your mouth and throat.

Since saliva is produced in so many different areas, it must be pretty important, right? Correct! One of the main purposes of saliva is indigestion. These functions including moistening food then forming it into bolus which can be swallowed more easily than dry food. Have you ever tried eating something dry with an already dry mouth? It’s not too pleasant!

Effects of Low Saliva

As aforementioned, saliva is a key part of the digestion process. Even when food reaches the stomach, it helps to break down foods that you’ve consumed. But that’s not the only side-effect of low saliva. Saliva also helps to wash out and fight bacteria that are found on your teeth and gums. Aside from that, it also helps to rebuild enamel on your teeth that is lost through chewing. When the mouth is dry and you consume food, plaque will begin to form immediately and there will be nothing there to break it up and dilute the acidic substances that we consume.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), oral candidiasis can result from dry mouth. This is a fungal infection that can cause pain and bad breath. Another effect of dry mouth is burning mouth syndrome which is basically what it sounds like. This is a burning feeling in the mouth caused by a lack of saliva production. Although these conditions are mild compared to the effects of low saliva on your teeth, they’re still worth noting.

Preventing Dry Mouth

Now that you know the effects of dry mouth, you’re probably ready to do everything you can to prevent it. The main way to increase saliva production is to simply drink more water. Since saliva production is directly linked to the amount of water you consume, you’ll need to drink a lot more water than you think. It also helps to avoid things like coffee, alcohol, salty and sugary foods, and cigarettes, because these can all make you dehydrated and more susceptible to dry mouth.

If you already have dry mouth, it’s important to take the necessary steps to fix the issue before it results in more serious dental issues like cavities, gum disease, or periodontal disease. First and foremost you should start drinking more water and brush more frequently. This will help to restore the condition of your mouth by rehydrating it and eliminating any bacteria and plaque that built up when it was dry. Additionally, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with a certified dental professional.

Contact Pacific Northwest Specialists In Periodontics and Dental Implants

If you’ve experienced dry mouth for a long time and believe it is taking a toll on your dental health, you should contact a periodontist at Pacific Northwest today. Periodontists specialize in the supporting structures of your teeth. What this means is that if you have an oral condition that has led to deterioration in the supporting structures of your teeth such as your gums, jawbone, periodontal ligament or the tooth itself, a periodontist will be able to work with you to create a plan and restore your oral health allowing you to chew naturally again. If you have any questions, please contact us today.

Why Tooth Loss Is So Common – Part 2

Hello, and welcome back to our blog here at Same-Day Implants in Seattle. This is part two of our blog series where we take a look at why tooth loss is so prevalent among Americans. Last time, we took a look at the effect of diet and poor oral hygiene on tooth loss, as well as some natural causes that can lead to tooth loss. Keep reading to learn more and contact us today if need to replace one more missing teeth in Seattle.

Tooth Grinding

Grinding of the teeth either due to stress or while sleeping is a much bigger issue than many people realize. This condition is known as bruxism and will damage teeth by wearing away the enamel and can potentially damage the jaw. Since the enamel protects your teeth from bacteria, you’ll be more likely to get an infection.

According to an APA study, 63 percent of Americans report that they’re worried about our country’s future and around the same number report feeling stressed about work or money. This not only has an impact on our general well-being but it can contribute to issues like bruxism that affect people who are stressed or worried more than anyone else.

Genetics

You’ve probably heard before that genetics can have a huge effect on whether you develop medical conditions like cancer or diabetes. With that said, it’s no surprise that you’ll be more likely to inherit oral health conditions as well. The shape, size, and strength of your teeth are all affected by genetics in addition to your susceptibility to infection and cavities. Although this is by no means the final word on your oral health, it could mean tooth loss is inevitable when combined with poor oral hygiene.

Systemic Diseases

Systemic diseases such as diabetes could play a major role in whether we lose teeth at some point in our lives or how soon we lose them. According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes have a higher chance of having serious gum disease than people who don’t have diabetes. As you’re probably aware, gum disease is the first sign of impending periodontal disease and eventual tooth loss. Since around 47 percent of American adults have mild to severe gum disease, it’s not hard to see why systemic diseases like diabetes can contribute to this issue of tooth loss.

Another thing to note is that systemic diseases are a two-way street. Not only will diabetes contribute to the onset of gum disease, but once gum disease is contracted, it can affect blood glucose levels which will worsen diabetes.

Not Seeking Help

Sure, there’s a lot you can do on your own to protect your teeth, but that doesn’t mean everyone is capable of preventing tooth loss all on their own. Many Americans avoid going to the dentist or the periodontist because they either don’t recognize the warning signs of oral health problems or they think their problems will go away. Although bacteria and plaque can be cleaned out of the mouth with good oral hygiene practice, anything beyond that calls for professional help. And living with a missing tooth will only lead to more bone loss in the jawbone and a higher chance of losing more teeth.

Contact Same-Day Implants

Same-Day Implants is proud to provide single-tooth, multiple-tooth, and all-on-4 dental implants for patients in Seattle. Although tooth loss is a common oral health issue, that doesn’t mean you need to live without the functionality and appearance of your natural teeth. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

Why Tooth Loss Is So Common

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, out of American adults between the ages of 35 and and 44-years old, 69 percent have lost one or more permanent teeth. Although many people feel ashamed if they lose a tooth, many don’t realize how common this issue is. But the problems don’t stop during middle age. As we age, tooth loss becomes even more common and between the ages of 65 and 74, 26 percent of people have lost all their natural teeth. Many health specialists even list tooth loss as one of the most prevalent and concerning health issues in old age. So what makes tooth decay, tooth loss, and general oral health issues so common? In this blog, we’ll take a look at a look at some of the major culprits as well as what you can do about it.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for a periodontist in Seattle or the surrounding area, don’t hesitate to contact Same-Day Implants.

Natural Tooth Decay

Although there are many preventable risk factors when it comes to tooth loss that we’ll get into shortly, it’s important to note that not all tooth loss is the result of poor oral care habits. Tooth decay and inevitably, tooth loss are the result of aging. Our teeth and gums play a very important role in our general well-being and as we age, their ability to do their job tends to diminish and we become more susceptible to oral health issues. That doesn’t mean that everyone will lose teeth in their old age, but many of us do.

Diet

We tend to think of our own diet as being healthy, but when you take a look at the diet of Americans as a whole, you start to see a lot of problems with the way we eat. When it comes to consumerism, American society is built on immediate satisfaction. Whatever we need is right at our fingertips and that’s no different with unhealthy foods.

The problem with this way of life is that it doesn’t promote great oral health by any stretch of the imagination. What many people don’t realize is that oral health issues don’t usually develop overnight. They’re something that wears down your teeth and gums over a long period of time until you start experiencing pain and inevitably call a dentist or periodontist for help. And one reason why tooth loss is so common is because we don’t ever see our diet as an oral health problem, we see it as an overall health problem.

Be more conscious about the foods you eat and how they impact your oral health. You will thank yourself later in life for this.

Oral Hygiene

There’s no doubt about it, maintaining great oral hygiene practices throughout your whole life is no easy task. And it’s somewhat daunting when you think about how much bacteria has built up in your mouth over the course of your life. Maybe a certain memory comes to mind of a period in your life where oral hygiene wasn’t a huge concern and as a result, you didn’t practice healthy oral hygiene on a daily basis.

Although these mistakes will impact us for the rest of our lives, that doesn’t mean you can’t start to reverse the damage that was done. One of the reasons tooth loss is so common is that people ignore the warning signs and people don’t seek help until their oral health issues have caught up with them and they have a serious issue on their hands. Once you acknowledge that the warning signs start long before tooth or gum pain, you’ll have a better chance of preventing it.

All things considered, there are two main reasons to practice good oral hygiene: to prevent tooth decay and to prevent infection. Although there are many other reasons to brush and floss like preventing bad breath, tooth decay and infection are inevitably what lead to serious oral or systemic health conditions. But preventing tooth loss requires just as much attention on your gums as it does your teeth.

Many of the issues we perceive as tooth problems started in the gums. The reason for that is that our gums are exposed to the most bacteria and if they aren’t able to hold off the bacteria, they will become infected (gingivitis) and that infection will spread to other supporting structures of the teeth. Since your teeth are supported by several different things like your gums, the periodontal ligament, tooth roots, and your jawbone, tooth loss can result from many different conditions.

Contact Same-Day Implants

After taking a look at some of the major causes of tooth loss, it’s not hard to see why so many Americans lose at least one tooth at some point in their lives. Our teeth and gums are constantly exposed to food particles and bacteria that can damage the supporting structures of our teeth and eventually lead to tooth loss.

Here at Same-Day Implants in Seattle, we realize how wide-spread tooth loss is and we don’t want people to feel afraid to seek treatment. In many cases, we are able to perform a same-day implant, allowing you to regain the functionality and appearance of your natural teeth almost immediately. Our oral health experts work hard to create a comfortable atmosphere for you and will work closely with you to ensure your needs are met throughout your entire visit. Contact us today to learn more.

Read part two of this blog to learn more reasons tooth loss is so common.