According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, statistics show that 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay. Furthermore, by age 74, 26% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth.How edentulism (aka missing teeth) affects mental and physical healthA healthy body starts with a healthy mouth. Teeth are necessary not only for chewing function but for overall oral health as well, including the health of your gums and jaw bone. When missing teeth are not replaced, several problems can occur. “Missing teeth should be replaced for many reasons,” said Dr. Michael Tischler, listed as one of America's Top Dentists by the Consumer Research Council. “Remaining teeth can actually shift and drift into the open space, which can ultimately affect your bite. In addition, bone loss may occur in the supporting jaw bone making it more difficult to eat and chew food.” Related information, click here.Chewing food is the beginning of the digestive process. Missing teeth can affect the body if it is severe enough that it interferes with nutrition. “If you lose a tooth, then you can't chew the food properly before swallowing, the stomach and intestines will work harder to absorb nutrients. That means you absorb fewer nutrients and are less healthy," said Dr. Tischler, co-founder of Tischler Dental in Woodstock, N.Y.Studies have also shown that missing teeth lead to depression and self-consciousness. Missing teeth may make one feel embarrassed to do normal, everyday actions like laughing or talking--afraid to reveal the gaps and holes. Also, those with missing teeth may have noticed how it severely ages the face. Teeth support the mouth, cheeks and jaws. When we have significant tooth loss, the face sinks in, and the jaws droop prematurely. This results in the laugh lines looking deeper as well as the creases around the lips. “I have patients who have said they have missed out on job interviews and promotions because of missing teeth,” said Dr. Tischler. Tooth decay and periodontal disease may also occur in new hard-to-reach places created by shifting teeth that are harboring harmful plaque and tartar.Dental implants: a solution of choice for replacing missing teethOnce teeth are missing, the facial structure begins to change and the thought of facial cosmetic surgery becomes the initial option. Today there is another alternative for patients who are missing permanent teeth. Rather than resting on the gum line like removable dentures, or using adjacent teeth as anchors like fixed bridges, dental implants are long-term replacements that your dentist surgically places in the jawbone. The placement of an implant will prevent movement as well as continue to stimulate the bone, especially if a tooth has been missing for a period of time. Composed of titanium metal, dental implants never slip or make embarrassing noises that advertise the fact that you have “false teeth,” and never decay like teeth anchoring fixed bridges. Because dental implants fuse with the jawbone, bone loss is generally not a problem.What is the Prettau Zirconia Implant Bridge?Dental implants have changed the face of dentistry during the last 25 years. In the past, traditional dental implants, while a decent solution, have often been a difficult process for patients due to older technologies and procedures that made implants time intensive, costly, and often a painful experience. Tischler Dental and Tischler Dental Laboratory offers the Prettau Zirconia Implant Bridge and delivers the Prettau Implant Protocol.Tischler Dental Laboratory The Dental Implant SuiteThe Prettau Bridge dental protocol for dental implant systems involves computer-generated CAD/CAM designing and milling of the actual bridge out of zirconia, the hardest dental material available. The temporary screw-retained bridge is also milled and designed CAD/CAM from a specific plastic from Zirkonzahn.This dental step is integral to the Prettau protocol and sets it apart from other techniques. Special stains made for the Prettau zirconia are also used as part of this dental implant protocol. This dental implant protocol from Zirkonzahn is time-tested. “In 25 years of practicing dentistry, I have never seen a stronger, more esthetic dental tooth replacement alternative than the Prettau Implant Bridge." Dr. Tischler said. "With no acrylic to chip or stain, this is the future of dentistry." Oral health and older adultsPeople are living longer and healthier lives. Older adults also are more likely to keep their teeth for a lifetime than they were a decade ago. More and more older people are selecting dental implants over dentures as a replacement option for lost teeth. Whether you have lost one or all of your teeth, dental implants allow you to have teeth that look and feel just like yours. Dental implants such as the Prettau Zirconia Implant Bridgeare intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Therefore, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompanies dentures and preserve the integrity of facial features. When teeth are missing, the bone which previously supported these teeth begins to deteriorate. This can result in dramatic changes in your appearance, such as increased wrinkles around the mouth and lips that cave in and lose their natural shape.“Missing teeth can be a negative influence not only on oral health but on one’s way of life,” said Dr. Tischler. “Replacing missing teeth with the Prettau Zirconia Implant Bridge can dramatically improve your smile and the shape of your face. This greatly enhances both your dental health and self-esteem.”For more information, visit www.tischlerdental.com.To comment on this subject, go to community.pennwelldentalgroup.com/.