Daily dental care is as important to general well being as eating a nutritious diet and exercising. Despite the importance of oral hygiene, slews of Americans or ignoring the practices of brushing, flossing and visiting in the dentist. Because of behaviors like that, estimates suggest that 75 percent of the nation’s population is suffering from some level of gum disease (ranging from gingivitis to periodontal disease) and are at an increased risk of dental problems such as tooth loss. Those individuals with the time and money to spare for restorative treatments should be aware that dentistry to correct the issues can help put dental health back on track.

Within the dental care profession restorative dentistry can be implemented using a variety of dental treatments including (but not limited to) cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, gum grafting and dental braces. Once gaps have been filled, teeth have been straightened and all signs of gum disease and tooth decay have eradicated, individuals can benefit from improved health and a reduced risk of developing health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.

Dental Implants for Dental Health

Losing baby teeth is a rite of passage for all during their youth, but when it happens to the permanent teeth in adults there is no chance that another tooth will magically grow in to fill the void left behind. Instead, the cosmetic dentistry procedure surrounding a dental implant is the only way to put a new tooth in place and doing so can improve the dental health of patients.

Missing teeth can cause a number of issues for those suffering from the condition. Individuals with lackluster smiles may have lower self-esteem and confidence, may have more difficulty dating (as an attractive smile is a valuable asset) and may not be able to advance professionally as very few people would want to put their trust into someone with visibly bad oral health. Additionally missing teeth can cause problems such as:

• Poor communication skills caused by speech imperfections.
• Bad nutrition triggered off by difficulties in chewing healthy and solid foods.
• Increased odds of more tooth decay and gum disease triggered by excess dental plaque and stray food particles that can fill the voids left behind by missing teeth.
• Jawbone loss. Food particles and plaque can lodge in the voids left behind contributing to tooth decay, gum disease and jawbone loss.
• Shifting teeth that can contribute to root damage and excess dental wear and tear.
• Dental neglect as missing teeth can contribute to a feeling that oral health is doomed and officially throwing in the towel on the mission.

Dental implants can make smiles look whole again as the devices can fill in the gaps left behind by missing teeth. The devices are surgically and permanently placed into the jawbone and the implant will act as an anchor for replacement teeth and provide the most realistic option for filling the void. The devices will make a smile look whole, prevent excessive plaque from building up and can allow a patient to chew and speak without the complications associated with missing teeth.

Dental Braces

Most adults think thatdental braces are only for teenagers, but adults suffering from tension, headaches or earaches may find that getting teeth professionally straighten can eliminate those conditions completely. Head related pain may be a side effect of a misaligned jawbone and caused by head and neck muscles trying to compensate for the off kilter arrangement and dental braces can be used to move teeth into their proper alignment in order to alleviate the discomfort.

The American Dental Association suggests that a dentist exam including x-rays may be the best way to find out the initial cause of the discomfort. Once the jaw pain, arthritis, sinus issues or toothache are properly diagnosed, the skills of a orthodontist can be utilized to shift teeth, generate proper alignment and relieve pain.

Prevent Problems in the First Place

Despite indicators that restorative dental care may improve oral health as a whole, preventative dentistry is still thought to be a smarter strategy. Preventative dentistry is the process involving taking care of teeth in order to prohibit any dental problems from occurring in the first place. The process involves practicing exceptional oral hygiene, minimizing behaviors that may cause dental issues (such as smoking or alcohol consumption) and keeping to a schedule of regular dental exams and cleanings. Some sources hypothesize that for every $1 invested into preventative dentistry can result in a savings of $8 to $50 for restorative cares, making the practice a fiscally sound decision as well.

Individuals looking to find a dentist up to the task of leading their preventative dentistry efforts can count on 0900-DENTIST to assist.