The process of placing dental implants has gone through a number of changes, including how people perceive it. For the longest time implant restoration surgeries were viewed by people, and more importantly by insurance carriers, as strictly aesthetic in nature. It is understandable how implants could have gotten this reputation. Dental implants give people back teeth that look, feel, and act real. For patients who have lost teeth, getting back teeth that are so realistic that no one can tell the difference, is a huge victory. It brings back confidence, a certain standard of living, and the ability to experience life normally again. All of these have contributed to people wanting perfect teeth, and looking to an implant restoration to achieve this goal. It has also lead to the idea that implants are purely cosmetic in nature, which is simply not the case. As science is catching up with the narrative, we know that implants are not only aesthetic but that they go a long way to helping with facial structure, are critical for restoring a jawbone that may have been going through resorption, and even have an effect on people who have an issues with their bite.
Not only is the dental implant restoration growing in popularity, it has not even begun to make the impact it can as large segments of the population are still unaware of the benefits of having an implant placed. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons found that there is a huge demand for this technology, once people start to realize that it can restore their way of life. The study showed that 69% of all adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one tooth. The causes of this were varied and ranged from diseases to accidents, from tooth decay to a failed root canal. When you start thinking about the fact that there are over 15 million adults in the U.S. who are still using antiquated technologies like dentures and bridges for tooth loss, it become apparent how many people dental implants can help - including you.
