Your car or SUV's an investment, one that drives your livelihood and your life, transporting you safely to work in Beverly Hills, your children to school in Santa Monica and your family on everything from errands around Los Angeles to vacations across the country. But it can't do what it does without basic maintenance. When a tire gets a hole, you patch it. If it's flat, you fill it. When one's old and bare, you change it. Tires are essential. So are teeth.

Your teeth take care of you, allowing you to properly and painlessly eat the food that fuels the body. But, do you take care of your teeth? 73% of women and 66% of men see a dentist at least once a year for basic maintenance. But, what about a lost tooth? Should you do something about it? Millions of American adults think so.

For information on dental implants in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills or Santa Monica as a replacement for any number of missing teeth, contact dental implant specialist, Dr. Azar-Mehr. Professor of Clinical Dentistry at USC.

Dental Implants - Necessary or Narcissistic?

More and more Americans are opting for dental implants. In fact, according to "Benefits and Behavior: Spotlight on Dental" - a recently released study conducted by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) - 70% of women and 61% of men see tooth replacement as a medical necessity. And, 5 out of 5 dentists agree, viewing dental implants as a standard of care for tooth loss due to periodontal disease, injury, accident or tooth decay.

Developed over three decades ago in Sweden, a dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that will never decay. Compared with a real tooth, dental implants feel real, look better and last longer. Implant Fixtures are made from a titanium alloy, and they support dental restorations which are matched to your natural teeth in terms of size, shape, color and contour. And, because Implant fixtures fuse to the jaw bone, they're secure and long lasting, just like healthy teeth.

Dental implants aren't simply cosmetic and you aren't narcissistic for considering them. In fact, the same Guardian study found that 89% of Americans see the connections between overall health and dental hygiene. The failure to do something about gaps due to tooth loss can indeed be hazardous to your health. And, besides, looking good results in feeling better while doing nothing results in risks to your dental health.

Health Risks of Tooth Loss

At one time, you had 32 permanent teeth. Over time, though, due to injury, infection, accident or neglect, they've proven to be not so permanent. The results? For now, nothing, maybe. Possibly, though, you're experiencing a little pain, some difficulty eating, an annoying speech problem or embarrassing bad breath. Hopefully, that's all, because there are health risks associated with the failure to replace a lost tooth:

• Bone loss and the appearance of early aging: lacking the stimulation provided by a healthy tooth, bone loss can occur in the jaw and facial muscles can sag, altering the look of your face and aging you beyond your years
• Digestive problems: the jaw's biting force can become unevenly distributed, and your ability to effectively chew food can become compromised, leading to digestive issues due to impartially chewed food passing into the body
• Additional tooth loss: as the gums recede, perfectly healthy teeth can fall out
• Ineffective, unattractive teeth: left unsupported, previously healthy teeth can shift and tip

Dental implants are not for everyone as you must be in good general health, possess healthy gums and have enough bone in the jaw to safely support anchors. Additionally, you must be dedicated to basic maintenance - brushing and flossing - and continue to maintain regularly scheduled cleanings and check-ups. Type II diabetes and smoking can slow the healing process and reduce long term success.

Millions of adults have lost teeth. More and more men and women are doing something about it with dental implants, and in the process, are not only taking care of their teeth, but of their overall health. Smile. It's okay. It's not vain. It shows confidence and it's good for you. And, yes, it's essential.

If you would like to learn more about dental implants in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and Santa Monica, contact Dr. Azar-Mehr Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a consultation, or call 310-443-3030.