Most people loose their teeth due to breakdown caused by germs.  There are two ways in which germs can result in tooth loss, and both are preventable.  When germs are allowed to sit on the tooth surface in the form of plaque they create an acidic environment, which dissolves the tooth surface, creating a cavity.  The accumulation of plaque can
also create an inflammatory reaction, leading to bleeding gums and the loss of the jawbone that secures the teeth.  This phenomenon of gum disease is termed gingivitis, or in severe cases of breakdown,
periodontitis.   Both cavities and gum disease, and the consequential tooth loss, can be prevented.

The key to prevention requires a team approach between the patient, the hygienist and the dentist.  Periodic professional cleanings eliminate the germs in hard to reach places that have built up and developed into a hard dental tartar on the tooth crown and root surface.  Exams including x-rays give us the opportunity to catch problems when they start, and in so doing, limit the potential consequences.  Lastly -and absolutely essential to the preventative process- the patient must maintain their dental health by brushing and flossing daily.  If we the dental professionals do all we can do and educate you the patient on all you need to do at home, we can eliminate tooth loss due to germs.  At Cody we are dedicated to doing all we can to help you keep a beautiful healthy smile for a lifetime.

So why are so many people choosing dental implants to restore their missing teeth?

The simple answer to that question is because the advantages of dental implants are many.

Dental implants allow a single missing tooth to be replaced without involving the adjacent teeth.  In this respect dental implants preserve natural tooth tissue by avoiding the need to cut down adjacent teeth for conventional bridgework.  An implant restoration appears, functions and is maintained just like your natural teeth.

Once a dental implant is placed in the jawbone it acts to preserve bone and significantly reduce bone resorption and deterioration that results in loss of jawbone height.  Preserving jawbone maintains facial contours that result in minimizing premature wrinkles.

If you have already lost your teeth and wear dentures you are aware of the challenges of having the dentures stay in place, especially on the bottom jaw.  Loose fitting dentures can be replaced with improved support, stability and retention with implant overdentures.  Implant overdentures may allow you to chew your food better and speak more clearly.

In summary people choose dental implants because by doing so they are gaining cosmetic enhancement, improved biting, chewing and speaking ability, and a restoration that is easy to clean and maintain for long-term durability.

In recent years the association between cardiovascular and periodontal disease has been the subject of intense medical research.  Associations between the two diseases include common bacterial infections and chronic systemic inflammatory mechanisms.

Between the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and a study published in the both The American Journal of Cardiology and the Journal of Periodontology, it has been confirmed that periodontal disease is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

In addition, those diagnosed with either disease should be checked for the other.

At Cody, our focus has always been the preservation of health and the prevention of disease though quality dental care and an integrated relationship with our patients’ physicians.