Nothing lights up a room like a beautiful smile! If broken or missing teeth have been chipping away at your self-esteem, Alaska Dental Arts can help restore your smile and boost your confidence again. We can tailor a plan for smile restoration that may include dentures, a bridge, or possibly dental implants. While dentures and bridges are perhaps the most recognized options for missing teeth, dental implants are considered a superior tooth replacement option as they prevent bone loss down the road.
Schedule an appointment today at our Anchorage, Juneau or North Pole location and discover how we can partner together to bring you your best smile ever.
Bone Loss Affects More than Appearance
It goes without saying that gaps in one’s smile can lead to feelings of insecurity or self-consciousness. Tooth loss can change the appearance of one’s face drastically. When we are young it may be cute to look and feel like a jack-o-lantern and sing songs about wishing for two front teeth for Christmas. What is hailed as a rite of passage for children, can be embarrassing or even demoralizing as an adult.
We don’t realize how our teeth support the structure of our face until we experience the after-effects of losing some or all of our teeth. When teeth are pulled or knocked out, it causes the face to look sunken, hollow or aged. It may surprise you to learn that these changes may cause skin sag, droop or even wrinkle adding years to one’s appearance. Moreover, if the jaw is affected through periodontal disease, the effects are even more exacerbated.
Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss and More
Dental implants consist of a screwlike body that is surgically inserted into the jawbone where the tooth’s natural root once was. An abutment piece is screwed securely into the body at the gumline and holds the crown.
By far, dental implants are the closest resemblance to natural teeth in appearance, structure and functionality mainly because of the body which functions like a natural root. Thus, they behave like natural teeth and can restore full chewing power again, making eating and dining a much more pleasant experience.
With dental implants, you can enjoy everyday activities again like talking, laughing, smiling, and kissing without worrying about shifting, slipping or clicking. No wonder it is the most popular procedure enjoyed by 3,000,000 smiles across America and growing by 500,000 annually!
One of the hallmarks of their popularity with dentists and patients alike is that dental implants actually stimulate bone growth in the jaw. This is great news for patients with bone loss and advanced periodontal disease. Other forms of tooth replacement sit on the gums and may even decrease bone density of the jaw. However, studies have shown that the screwlike titanium body mimics roots and encourages the bone grow. During the healing process, bone bonds with the titanium stimulating growth and overall health of the jawbone.
Causes of Tooth Loss
Tooth loss can be caused by a number of reasons:
Physical Injury or Trauma— Sports injuries are near the top of the list for sudden tooth loss. Alaskans love the great outdoors and overall staying active. But a bicycle crash on the coastal trail can ruin the perfect afternoon ride. With winter right around the corner, we are reminded that winter sports can be equally as treacherous. What’s a hockey player without a few missing teeth, right? Fortunately, Alaska Dental Arts offers emergency dental care including same day and after-hour services.
Tooth Decay—You only live once, but it takes effort to ensure your adult teeth last a lifetime. While accidents and injury can happen even to the best of us, it is important to not allow life to get in the way of properly taking care of those pearlies. Brushing and flossing are your first line of defense against decay. It’s imperative to maintain good daily habits to keep your smile healthy and strong.
Periodontal Disease— Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss, accounting for 70% of all cases! It’s a slippery slope. When good habits erode or are never properly established, it doesn’t take long for bacteria accumulate on the surface of your teeth, and cause inflammation of the gums, or what’s known as gingivitis. Inflammation tends to make the task of brushing and flossing even less pleasant, and for some it can be anxiety producing. Soon you may find yourself on a path to periodontal disease, where infection and inflammation attack teeth, gums and even the jawbone.
Activities That Increase the Risk of Bone Loss
While good dental hygiene practices are foremost in preserving your pearlies, factors both within and beyond our control can increase risks of gum disease and tooth loss.
Tobacco, Vaping and Other Substances—Smoking and chewing tobacco do more than stain teeth and put a strain on your pocketbook. Did you know that studies show that tobacco and vaping create deep pockets in the gumline exposing root? Bacteria can then gain access to the roots of teeth causing damage to teeth and ultimately the jaw.
Drugs and Medications—Both illegal drug abuse and prescription medications can cause damage to tooth enamel, allowing bacteria to penetrate teeth causing decay. The same substances can stir up inflammation setting the stage for the slippery slope to gum disease described above.
Pregnancy and Disease—Hormonal changes can wreak havoc on the body. Pregnancy is especially tough on the body. Eating for two may imply a double dose of plaque-producing bacteria, but the real issue is that your body is working doubly hard to fight infection and keep all systems working properly for mommy and baby.
Vitamin Deficiency—Poor nutrition has a large effect on the health of your teeth and jaw. While food particles stuck on and between teeth can cause damage from the outside-in, it is important to have proper nutrition to nurture your smile from the inside-out. Lack of access to healthy foods or even health conditions that hinder the body from processing important vitamins and minerals can play a part in dental health.
Access to Care—Like access to healthy foods, access to compassionate dental healthcare services makes a huge difference. ADA makes it easy with three locations statewide in Anchorage, Juneau, and North Pole. We also offer several options to make dental affordable for virtually any budget, with or without insurance.
Judgment-Free Dentistry Made Affordable with Alaska Dental Arts
No matter the cause or the condition of your teeth, our caring professionals believe that everyone deserves the same access and quality of care in a safe, luxurious, judgment-free zone. There is never any reason to put off dental care when Alaska Dental Arts offers affordable options for all your dental care needs. We gladly accept most types of insurance and offer flexible financing both in-house and through third-party, Credit Care.
Your perfect smile has never been more easily attainable! To further assist in your financial needs, we offer our Dental Savings Plan for less than a dollar a day. With Alaska Arts Dental Savings Plan you can take advantage of:
- The LOWEST fee schedule in the state! (discounts on everything including crowns and dental implants!)
- $1,000 OFF Invisalign
- 50% OFF Teeth Whitening
- PLUS…no annoying claim forms, waiting periods, or yearly maximums.
Soon you’ll be radiating confidence and back to enjoying every day without worrying about your smile.
Call Alaska Dental Arts today for a consultation and together we’ll get you smiling brighter than ever.
