WHAT MAKES A GOOD DENTA
3 Factors That Determi
Over the past few months, we’ve highlighted the information you need to know about dental implants. We’ve discussed what they are, their benefits, how they differ from dentures, why people choose dental implants, the procedure process, how to care for them, and signs if they are infected. However, we haven’t discussed what makes a good candidate for dental implants. While dental implants can help you if you recently lost a tooth, you must meet a few requirements. Here are three factors we look for when determining whether or not you’re a good candidate for dental implants. 1. HEALTHY GUMS For your implants to remain secure, it needs support from your gums and surrounding teeth. You want your gums to appear pink and unyielding to the touch. Aside from where you’re missing a tooth, you also don’t want your gums to be overly sensitive. We will also look over your teeth to ensure you have healthy teeth surrounding the spot where the missing tooth was. 2. STRONG JAWBONE A strong and healthy jawbone is vital because dental implants are drilled into the bone. If your jawbone is too weak, the implant won’t be secure
SMILE! Your Body Will Thank You
For some people, their teeth might be the part of their body they’re most insecure about. And this insecurity, whether purposeful or not, can prevent people from smiling openly when they’re happy, excited, proud, or just being silly. You may be thinking, “Okay, and? It’s not like smiling is necessary to survive,” but in some ways, it is. It turns out that smiling is an integral part of our health, and when we miss out on those big grins because we’re embarrassed, our health suffers. If you’re wondering how it works, here are four ways smiling benefits our health. SMILING MAKES YOU FEEL LESS STRESSED. Research shows that when you smile, even if it isn’t genuine, your heart rate decreases, and you feel less stressed. Participants in one blind study
who used chopsticks to keep their mouths in the smiling position reported having better recovery during a stressful task than those whose mouths were in a neutral position. SMILING REDUCES DEPRESSION. When you smile, your body releases “happy” neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, and research shows that the intent of the smile doesn’t matter. Meaning, you can trick your body into releasing hormones that make you feel better just by smiling! SMILING BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM. As happy neurotransmitters release into your body, your cortisol levels drop. Cortisol, the stress hormone, actively suppresses your immune system to keep your body in its “fight or flight”
mode. So when you feel happier and less stressed, your immune system has the resources to function correctly and keep you healthy. SMILING REDUCES PAIN. Those handy happy neurotransmitters your brain releases also act as natural painkillers; serotonin, in particular, is one of the most powerful. And when you grin, your body also releases endorphins, which are opioid peptides. If the word opioid sounds familiar, it’s because it is the medication class many popular prescription painkillers fall into. So, smiling is a natural way to relieve pain without medication. If your teeth insecurity stops you from smiling, you’re missing out on many natural health benefits. Talk to your dentist today to find a resolution that will leave you happy and healthy!
2 • www.dentalimplantsnorthdakota.com
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