As the population ages, more people are fortunate to retain some, if not all, of their natural teeth due to modern preventive measures. These include regular dental checkups, cleanings, and x-rays to detect problems in a tooth or the jawbone. Many teeth are now being saved instead of being extracted. Here at Lancaster Dental Associates, we have invested in the latest computer assisted technology to make crowns or large fillings for teeth that might have been lost in the past. Keeping natural teeth enables people to chew and speak more naturally than with dentures. Regularly scheduled visits to the dentist make it possible for many older people to maintain good oral health.
Recent research has demonstrated a direct link between the condition of gum tissue and risk of heart attacks or strokes. The same bacteria that causes inflamed or bleeding gums has been found along the lining of blood vessels in the heart. By maintaining good dental health, a risk factor for heart disease can be minimized.
For those who wear partial or full dentures, new techniques have been developed that help to improve the stability and function of their denture. Dental implants have become a very safe and predictable way to make a denture fit better, and allow someone to properly chew food. When it is comfortable to chew, a person will be much more likely to consume a diet that contains more fruits, vegetables, and proteins instead of softer, less nutritious foods.
