When we are young our parents are usually the people responsible for making sure that we make it to our dental appointments. Sometimes even schools step in and make sure that parents are getting their children checkups at least once a year. Once we reach adulthood, however, some adults neglect the general dentistry appointments that they always attended at a younger age. General dentistry, however, most be a priority for everyone, no matter the age.
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons found that 69% of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal, or tooth decay. Often, these problems could have been prevented if the patient had made and kept yearly dental appointments. These routine appointments not only include dental cleanings, but also x-rays that can help a family dentist examine the health of your teeth.
In previous decades, dentures were common for the oldest generation. With today’s dental advancements, however, dentures can often be avoided. Through regular checkups and proper dental hygiene many people are able to keep most of their teeth for an entire lifetime. If you are a person who has not been able to keep his or her own teeth, the process for getting dentures has advanced in the last few years. In fact, about 15% of the edentulous population, people with no teeth, has dentures made each year.
If your dental concern is that you are missing one or two teeth, a visit to a general dentistry office can provide you several options. Did you know, for example, that as many as 15 million people in America have crown and bridge replacements for missing teeth. Additionally, approximately three million Americans have dental implants. Because the advanced processes for creating implants has been streamlined, that number is growing by nearly 500,000 implants a year.
Even people with perfectly healthy teeth should make sure that they keep their dental appointments. In fact, general dentistry has expanded its offerings and many patients see their dentist for referrals for teeth whitening and other cosmetic improvements. In fact, nationwide, 88.8% of orthodontists have patients who request tooth whitening.
Nearly 32% of patients are “concerned about the look of their teeth.” Rightly so. The appearance of your teeth often determines the first impression you make when you meet some one. Whether you present them a million dollar smile or a toothless grin, it is difficult to forget someone’s smile. When was the last time you visited the dentist?
