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Everything You Need to Know About Zygomatic Implants
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April 8, 2021, 9:22 amFor some of us this is the end of the matter, but for many, tooth loss occurs again later in life – but this time without the option of having a new tooth grow back in.
But how much of a problem is tooth loss? Other than having to keep your lips pursed in the family photos, is a gap in your smile really something to worry about? I’m afraid to say that yes, the long-term effects of untreated tooth loss go far beyond the aesthetics, with the potential to have quite a serious impact on your overall health.
In fact, unsightly gaps may well be the least of your worries, as tooth loss extends its reach far and wide, affecting different functions of your body. Let’s take a look then at three of the key issues that highlight the very real connection between tooth loss and health.
Heart health
There are countless studies which point to clear links between tooth loss and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A recent research paper by the American Academy of Periodontology showed people who suffer from gum disease – which leads to tooth loss – are almost twice as likely to have or go on to have heart disease. One study in particular found that the presence of common oral health issues – such as gingivitis, cavities and missing teeth – are just as good at foretelling heart disease as a person’s cholesterol levels.
Similar research was conducted by the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it too came to the same conclusion. Having studied 40,000 adults aged 40 to 79 over a three-year period, the scientists observed a ‘significant association’ between tooth loss and the prevalence of heart disease – going so far as to suggest that good oral health maintenance should be included when educating people on how to prevent cardiovascular issues.
Bone loss and facial disfigurement
Many people aren’t aware of the impact our teeth have on our bones. In order for the jawbone to maintain its shape and density, it requires regular stimulation – which comes from our teeth – as they make hundreds of fleeting contacts with each other throughout the day as we chew and talk. These contacts are transferred throughout the tooth socket in the jaw, encouraging the bone to continually remould and remodel.
When a tooth is lost, so too is this constant stimulation – which leads to a loss of width, height and density in the jawbone. This can cause the chin and lower face to effectively collapse, the cheeks to hollow and the lips and outer mouth area to look saggy and appear caved in.
What’s more, because the bone in the upper and lower jaw are now receding at different rates and angles, the whole of the face can start to change shape, with the distance between the nose and chin decreasing, making the face look squashed. Finally, the tongue very often spreads into the gaps left by missing teeth, leading to problems with speech and eating.
Psychological impact
An often overlooked consequence of tooth loss is the toll it can take on mental health. There has been a recent clamour by academics across the world to take the psychological impact of tooth loss far more seriously, with one particular study by Newcastle University, in the UK, finding that the devastation caused by tooth loss is for some on a par to losing a limb. Many participants in the countrywide study claimed to be so affected by their missing teeth that they avoided leaving the house, with countless others admitting to a feeling of shame.
The academics who carried out the study said they were surprised by the outcome but added that the mental health profession may have grossly “underestimated the distress that tooth loss can cause”.
Tooth loss has also been known to cause distinct behavioural changes in patients. Along with relatively well documented behavioural changes such as a shift in eating habits and avoiding smiling, there are also lesser discussed issues, such as a fear of kissing and laughing – and even apprehension in forming close relationships. A recent survey looked into the emotional impact of tooth loss and found that almost half of respondents struggled to come to terms with the new found gaps in their smile – despite many of them having suffered tooth loss over five years ago.
Prevention ideal, but there are always solutions
While some of the factors which lead to tooth loss – genetics or trauma for example – may be out of our hands, much of the time it is our own habits that leads to the problem. Most people are simply not spending enough time brushing and flossing, and many are seeing their dentist for a cleaning once every couple of years instead of the recommended twice a year.
A recent YouGov survey finding that nearly a third of UAE citizens admit to brushing their teeth only once a day. What’s more, recent estimates show that over half of five year-olds in the UAE have four or more decayed or missing teeth.
That said, while prevention is the preferred treatment, it is important to know that in the event you have lost your adult teeth, solutions are at hand. Dental implants, the most natural replacement for missing teeth, can now be fitted in a single day. And yes, they are just like the real thing – not just in appearance, but in the impact they have on ensuring your tooth loss no longer affects your health in a negative manner.
Related Info
For some of us this is the end of the matter, but for many, tooth loss occurs again later in life – but this time without the option of having a new tooth grow back in.
But how much of a problem is tooth loss? Other than having to keep your lips pursed in the family photos, is a gap in your smile really something to worry about? I’m afraid to say that yes, the long-term effects of untreated tooth loss go far beyond the aesthetics, with the potential to have quite a serious impact on your overall health.
In fact, unsightly gaps may well be the least of your worries, as tooth loss extends its reach far and wide, affecting different functions of your body. Let’s take a look then at three of the key issues that highlight the very real connection between tooth loss and health.
Heart health
There are countless studies which point to clear links between tooth loss and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A recent research paper by the American Academy of Periodontology showed people who suffer from gum disease – which leads to tooth loss – are almost twice as likely to have or go on to have heart disease. One study in particular found that the presence of common oral health issues – such as gingivitis, cavities and missing teeth – are just as good at foretelling heart disease as a person’s cholesterol levels.
Similar research was conducted by the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it too came to the same conclusion. Having studied 40,000 adults aged 40 to 79 over a three-year period, the scientists observed a ‘significant association’ between tooth loss and the prevalence of heart disease – going so far as to suggest that good oral health maintenance should be included when educating people on how to prevent cardiovascular issues.
Bone loss and facial disfigurement
Many people aren’t aware of the impact our teeth have on our bones. In order for the jawbone to maintain its shape and density, it requires regular stimulation – which comes from our teeth – as they make hundreds of fleeting contacts with each other throughout the day as we chew and talk. These contacts are transferred throughout the tooth socket in the jaw, encouraging the bone to continually remould and remodel.
When a tooth is lost, so too is this constant stimulation – which leads to a loss of width, height and density in the jawbone. This can cause the chin and lower face to effectively collapse, the cheeks to hollow and the lips and outer mouth area to look saggy and appear caved in.
What’s more, because the bone in the upper and lower jaw are now receding at different rates and angles, the whole of the face can start to change shape, with the distance between the nose and chin decreasing, making the face look squashed. Finally, the tongue very often spreads into the gaps left by missing teeth, leading to problems with speech and eating.
Psychological impact
An often overlooked consequence of tooth loss is the toll it can take on mental health. There has been a recent clamour by academics across the world to take the psychological impact of tooth loss far more seriously, with one particular study by Newcastle University, in the UK, finding that the devastation caused by tooth loss is for some on a par to losing a limb. Many participants in the countrywide study claimed to be so affected by their missing teeth that they avoided leaving the house, with countless others admitting to a feeling of shame.
The academics who carried out the study said they were surprised by the outcome but added that the mental health profession may have grossly “underestimated the distress that tooth loss can cause”.
Tooth loss has also been known to cause distinct behavioural changes in patients. Along with relatively well documented behavioural changes such as a shift in eating habits and avoiding smiling, there are also lesser discussed issues, such as a fear of kissing and laughing – and even apprehension in forming close relationships. A recent survey looked into the emotional impact of tooth loss and found that almost half of respondents struggled to come to terms with the new found gaps in their smile – despite many of them having suffered tooth loss over five years ago.
Prevention ideal, but there are always solutions
While some of the factors which lead to tooth loss – genetics or trauma for example – may be out of our hands, much of the time it is our own habits that leads to the problem. Most people are simply not spending enough time brushing and flossing, and many are seeing their dentist for a cleaning once every couple of years instead of the recommended twice a year.
A recent YouGov survey finding that nearly a third of UAE citizens admit to brushing their teeth only once a day. What’s more, recent estimates show that over half of five year-olds in the UAE have four or more decayed or missing teeth.
That said, while prevention is the preferred treatment, it is important to know that in the event you have lost your adult teeth, solutions are at hand. Dental implants, the most natural replacement for missing teeth, can now be fitted in a single day. And yes, they are just like the real thing – not just in appearance, but in the impact they have on ensuring your tooth loss no longer affects your health in a negative manner.
Related Info
Dr. Petros is co-director of the Branemark Osseointegration Center Dubai. He qualified as a dentist in 1995, receiving his dental degree summa cum laude from Semmelweis University in Budapest. He graduated at the top of his class and was also chosen as valedictorian. In 1998 he completed the three-year, full-time postgraduate specialist prosthodontist training at Tufts University in Boston, United States, where he was awarded the Postgraduate Prosthodontist Certificate. Since 1999 Dr.Petros has been working in private practice as a specialist prosthodontist, almost exclusively on the prosthodontic rehabilitation of dental implants. He lectures extensively on same day implants and teeth reconstruction protocols. Together with Dr. Costa(Cert. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery), Dr. Petros is the cofounder of SameDay Dental Implants Clinic located in Building 39 in Dubai Healthcare City in the United Arab Emirates.
Dr. Petros is co-director of the Branemark Osseointegration Center Dubai. He qualified as a dentist in 1995, receiving his dental degree summa cum laude from Semmelweis University in Budapest. He graduated at the top of his class and was also chosen as valedictorian. In 1998 he completed the three-year, full-time postgraduate specialist prosthodontist training at Tufts University in Boston, United States, where he was awarded the Postgraduate Prosthodontist Certificate. Since 1999 Dr.Petros has been working in private practice as a specialist prosthodontist, almost exclusively on the prosthodontic rehabilitation of dental implants. He lectures extensively on same day implants and teeth reconstruction protocols. Together with Dr. Costa(Cert. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery), Dr. Petros is the cofounder of SameDay Dental Implants Clinic located in Building 39 in Dubai Healthcare City in the United Arab Emirates.
Due to its excellence in dental implant treatment SameDay Dental Implants Clinic has been Certified the status of Branemark Osseointegration Centre — Dubai, by Professor PI Branemark (the Swedish founder of dental implantology). There are 14 such clinics in the world. SameDay Dental Implants is the only one in the UAE and Middle East. read more
I had severe pain and went to them for removing my wisdom tooth. The Doctor Costa was chatting with me and then he told me that tooth has been removed. I have shared this experience with everyone I met as I did not feel or know of its removal. And to top it all no after pain or anything joined work next day without any swelling. Thanks to Sameday dental implants are the most professional dentists I have come across in Dubai.
At the SameDay Dental Implants Clinic three of my teeths were extracted and I received one implant with the crown - all done by Dr.Costa. The service that I received was amazing - the knowledge, professionalism and the level of experience was at the highest level possible. I can say with ease that they will be my choice for any potential dental issues. Overall, from the beginning until the end I was actually enjoying being at the dental clinic - thank you very much.
My wife and I have had excellent experiences with SameDay Dental Clinic. Treatment is clearly explained before being undertaken, the facilities are extremely well presented and after care support outstanding. Thank you to Dr. Costa and his team of professional dentists and nurses. Also thanks to Ms. Myra and her colleagues for their careful follow up on appointments and warm welcome upon arrival..
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Visiting Hours:
Saturday to Thursday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location
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Have a Question? Call us Now
Need Help? Drop us an Email
Visiting Hours:
Saturday to Thursday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location
Villa 733, Jumeirah Rd, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai, U.A.E.