DMD – Christopher C. Babcock

Benefits of Dental Implants

A dental implant is a high-tech artificial replacement for the root of a tooth that is screwed into a jawbone to support a crown (fake tooth). Dental implants, placed using a surgical procedure with a local anesthetic, have numerous advantages.

In the absence of a tooth, the jaw bone in the space deteriorates over time due to a lack of stimulation. When an implant is not placed within a year after a tooth is lost, the bone area can lose up to 50 percent of its total volume. A dental implant often replaces both the root and tooth, thus restoring normal chewing capability, which aids in stimulation (muscles/nerves) to facilitate natural bone growth.

Dental implants are fitted into the jaw with a titanium post that replaces the natural tooth root. This allows for sufficient biting force similar to that produced by a natural tooth. Other tooth replacements don’t fully restore the bite force as they rest on the gums and are not strongly secured.

When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth tend to move toward the gap and interfere with the ability to bite or chew. Dental implants fill gaps between the teeth, thus securing the position of the surrounding teeth and preventing them from drifting.

Importance of Getting a Disability Insurance

Disability insurance offers a safety net in the form of a monthly benefit to policyholders who cannot work due to a disability. Typically, this benefit is calculated as a percentage of the policyholder’s regular income. The waiting period for disability insurance can vary, and coverage can extend from a few weeks to the duration of one’s working life, depending on the severity of the disability. There are numerous advantages to having disability insurance.

One of the primary benefits of disability insurance is its role in helping policyholders plan for unforeseen circumstances that can significantly impact their lives. Whether it’s a life-altering disability, a chronic illness, or even a global pandemic, disability insurance safeguards the financial health of both the policyholder and their family. This protection is crucial for achieving long-term financial security and peace of mind.

Furthermore, disability insurance offers superior protection than relying solely on savings, particularly for long-term disabilities. Savings can quickly diminish in the face of substantial medical bills associated with prolonged disabilities. Since disabilities can persist for years, having disability insurance ensures a steady monthly benefit throughout the disability, easing the financial burden on the policyholder.

Moreover, while workers’ compensation typically covers injuries sustained in the workplace, it may not provide coverage for work-related disabilities. Workers ‘ compensation may not cover conditions like cancer, stroke, or injuries sustained outside work. However, disability insurance offers comprehensive coverage, regardless of whether the disability is work-related, ensuring financial stability during challenging times.

ADA Takes Firm Stance Against Direct-to-Consumer Dentistry

In response to developments involving a direct-to-consumer (DTC) company specializing in teeth aligners, the nation’s largest dental organization, the American Dental Association (ADA), has reasserted its opposition to DTC dentistry. The ADA discourages providing dental treatments directly to consumers, expressing concerns over potential irreversible harm and risks to individuals treated as customers rather than patients.

By advocating against DTC dentistry, the ADA aims to safeguard individuals from the potential risks of teeth alignment without a comprehensive understanding of their oral conditions. The ADA warns that unmonitored teeth movement could lead to severe and permanent issues such as bone loss, bite problems, receding gums, and jaw pain.

Highlighting the fundamental responsibility of licensed dentists in overseeing patient care, the ADA reiterates that dentists are uniquely qualified to accept accountability for a patient’s treatment. The absence of a dentist’s involvement in such treatments eliminates a crucial quality control aspect, potentially compromising patient safety and overall oral health.

The ADA urges individuals considering DTC dental products or services to consult a licensed dentist. It notes that regular dental check-ups with qualified professionals are crucial for maintaining good oral health and overall wellness.