Tooth loss compromises oral functions and leaves adjacent teeth at risk of dental complications. At Shemen Dental Group, our experienced dentists offer a number of restorative dentistry treatments to rebuild the smile for those who have suffered tooth loss. One of the most popular tooth replacement options is dental implants.
Dental implants address tooth loss by offering a replacement for both the roots and crown of the tooth, the only tooth loss treatment to do so. But how necessary are dental implants? Is tooth loss really that common of a problem? According to tooth loss and dental implant statistics, these restorations are a solution to a problem faced by many, including a number of our Amarillo, TX patients.
Adult Tooth Loss Statistics
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has examined findings of a recent National Health and Examination Survey, a study that covered the years of 1999 to 2004. Based on these findings and previous studies, they report that adult tooth loss has actually decreased since the early 1970s. Still, tooth loss continues to be a concern for many people.
The survey found that it was even common for young adults to have lost at least one of their teeth, and the likelihood or severity of tooth loss increased among older individuals. Out of a potential 28 teeth (not counting the wisdom teeth), the survey found:
- The average number of permanent teeth in adults aged 20 to 34 is 26.9
- In those aged 35 to 49, the average number of permanent teeth went down to 25.05
- Among individuals aged 50 to 64 the average number of teeth dropped even further to 22.3
Though it is not as common among younger adults, statistics show that complete tooth loss tends to be an issue as people age as well. The health survey found that 2.63 percent of adults aged 35 to 49 had lost all of their permanent teeth, and 10.13 percent of individuals aged 50 to 64 had no permanent teeth remaining.
How Common Are Dental Implants?
With tooth loss being such a prevalent problem among adults, restorative dentistry treatments are in high demand. Since they were introduced as a tooth loss solution, dental implants have only continued to grow in popularity.
Many of our Amarillo patients prefer dental implants over other tooth loss treatments because they provide superior support, comfort, and stability. In addition, they are the only dental restoration to prevent the loss of healthy jaw bone tissue.
While our dentists have seen dental implants help many of our patients rebuild their smiles, the nationwide statistics are not as clear. Currently, there is not a database or study that has covered exactly how many dental implant procedures are performed in the United States each year. However, based on a market research report put out by Grand View Research, dental implants were valued as a $3.77 billion industry in 2016 and the market was projected to continue to grow.
Contact Us
If you are one of the many individuals who has experienced adult tooth loss, the experienced team of dentists at Shemen Dental Group can restore your smile. To learn more about our restorative dentistry treatments, including dental implants, contact us at your earliest convenience, or schedule an appointment at our Amarillo practice by calling (806) 358-2472.
