Happy October! I’m so excited it’s fall. I love the cooler weather and break from the summer smoke season. I hope we can all get outdoors and enjoy the treasures and mental and spiritual renewal found in nature. Saturday October 29th is the annual Monster Dash benefiting the Ashland Schools Foundation. We love attending this event and seeing all the costumes and fun had by all.
When we think of scary monsters and jack-o-lanterns, it seems having teeth, or missing a few, adds a special creepy and frightening element. However, replacing teeth has come an amazingly long way just in the past 5 years, and the process to fabricate and deliver functioning tooth replacement is better than it’s ever been.
Oregon is one of a very few states that allows practicing denturists. This is a mid-level dental provider that can fabricate complete or partial dentures for considerably less than you would find at a traditional dental office. We are excited to announce we now have a denturist in our office several days a month! We know this will help fill a critical need for patients in Ashland and the surrounding areas.
It’s no secret that we have a thriving elder community. Current statistics show that 15% of people age 65 or higher are completely edentulous (no teeth). Single tooth loss is significantly higher with over 70% of the population age 30 or higher having at least one tooth having been removed. A single implant can be a fantastic option to replace a tooth, and implant supported or implant retained dentures are life changing. Normal dentures seem to slip around a lot, and can take a lot of time to get used to. Implant dentures are retained in place and provide more stability and confidence.
Teeth naturally support the lips and give balance to the facial musculature. According to a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation, “Having no or few teeth can adversely impact quality of life. Many older adults report being embarrassed about their teeth, avoid smiling, and even reduce social participation due the condition of their mouth and teeth. Furthermore, having no or few teeth can make chewing and eating difficult and can lead to additional health complications.” This is incredibly serious. Our mouth is the gateway to the rest of our body and our systemic health.
If you have a friend or loved one that is suffering with gum disease and considering dentures, or currently has ill-fitting, old, or worn out dentures, please let them know we can help. When you feel confident about your smile, have functioning teeth, and are free of disease, your quality of life grows exponentially.
