Annual Women’s Health Section
It’s easy to let health fall by the wayside, especially when life gets busy. But it’s always important to listen to the little voice in your head that suspects something isn’t right. Here, we highlight common health concerns for women, what to look out for, and when to see your doctor. Don’t let your busy schedule stand in the way of getting the help you need!
By Lindsey June
Dental implants can restore function in the mouth and inspire confidence in women with tooth loss.
Understanding Dental Implants
Tooth loss is more common than you might think. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, an estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and about 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth. Luckily, dental implants are a viable option for tooth replacement. They are synthetic tooth roots that provide a strong foundation for permanent or removable replacement teeth made to match your natural smile. Dental implants can help replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full mouth.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Post-menopausal women with osteoporosis are strong candidates for dental implants. Implants are also a great option for women who have lost function in their teeth due to trauma, decay, or gum disease. Implants can permanently restore function to your teeth, preserving overall oral health and improving confidence for women.
The Implant Procedure
Before the dental implant process begins, patients are placed under local anesthesia or full sedation, depending on preference and comfort level. The surgeon will then extract the natural tooth if it is still present, and the implant is placed in a fresh socket. A healing cap will go over the implant until the site is fully healed, which may take a few months. The bone will grow and fuse to the implant in that time. When everything is healed, your dentist will complete the final phase of the procedure and secure the permanent crown to the implant. Just like that, your smile is restored!
Benefits
Dental implants are a great option for tooth replacement. The procedure is smooth and time-saving, and in the end, you’re left with a smile that resembles your natural teeth. Tooth loss can be a scary and intimidating health concern for women, but dental implants are there to help you feel confident and happy for years to come.
