DURING GENERATIONS PAST, the chances were slim that somebody would keep healthy, natural teeth over their entire lifetime. Fortunately, today’s remarkable technologies and advanced materials, coupled with the artistic eyes and extensive training of the entire team here at Lake Oconee Dental greatly increase the likelihood that you’ll keep your smile for life!
Once in a while, when we visit with our valued patients, we sense that making decisions about dental treatments isn’t easy. To help you understand dental service decision making, we’ve set up a simple framework. It’s our hope that this will help bring additional clarity to your decision making.And of course, making such decisions is ALWAYS up to you. We just want to be sure you have good information.
We’ve divided “The Lifetime of Your Smile” into four phases that we are going to talk about over the next few weeks:
- Your 1–20 Year Old Smile
- Your 20–40 Year Old Smile
- Your 40–65 Year Old Smile
- Your 65+ Year Old Smile
In addition to finding YOUR smile’s current phase, you have family members, loved ones, and friends who are in the other phases. We invite you to pass the information along!
Some Must do’s. Some Should do’s. Some Could do’s.
Daily—consciously and subconsciously—we prioritize decision making by “musts,” “shoulds,” and “coulds.” Here at Lake Oconee Dentistryour goal is to make sure you’re comfortable with every oral health decision you make, and that you see the difference between the “musts,” the “shoulds,” and the “coulds.”
These lists are NOT exhaustive—there are no right or wrong answers to what you must, should, or could be doing about YOUR OWN oral health. Everyone has different priorities. Think of these posts as a starting point! And if you have questions, please contact us and we’ll chat.
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Today We’re Considering 65+ Year Old Smiles
THERE ARE NO AGE LIMITS ON A FANTASTIC, ENGAGING SMILE! Most people don’t know—for the most part—that losing one’s teeth during the golden years has little to do with aging and a lot to do with gum disease! That same disease is also linked to diabetes, cancer, and heart problems. But you need NOT be a victim. As average life spans increase, it’s an important time to understand your aging smile.
Must do’s.
- As we get older, our receding gums can expose roots to cavities and decay. Don’t ever postpone your regular professional visits.
- Some of the dental work in your mouth may be many decades old, thus greatly increasing the risk of decay setting in around the edges of old fillings or crowns. See Drs. David Bradley, Patti Bradley, or Phil Boswell to be sure you aren’t at risk.
Should do’s.
- Today’s dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth. If you’re missing teeth, advanced restorative implants may be the solution for you.
- Boost self confidence. A recent study indicates that nearly 90% of dental implant patients who previously wore dentures say confidence is up, and, the procedure was worth repeating.
Could do’s.
- It isn’t complicated and there’s very little discomfort. More and more “seasoned” citizens are keeping their teeth AND beautifying their smiles with cosmetic veneers. Now you can too.
Here at our Lake Oconee practice, we want to be your oral health partners for life! Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, if you haven’t already by clicking below: