Hockey is one of the most popular sports in this part of the world, and definitely is towards the top of the list as one of the most violent. So much so, in fact, that hockey players are typically characterized as missing a few teeth here and there, and hockey teams have a dentist on staff.
Just before Christmas, Florida Panthers’ Jaromir Jagr, a veteran of the sport, ended up grinning with a few less teeth thanks to an inadvertent high stick from the Ottawa Senators’ Alex Chiasson. Despite the obviously painful encounter, Jagr played it off with a smile. It doesn’t take a dentist to know that some false teeth are in Jagr’s future, but here’s why he should be springing for dental implants as opposed to other options.
Why Your Gums Need Teeth
Many people do not realize that your teeth are more important than just chewing food and beautiful smiles. The reality is, your teeth are integral to the overall health of your gums and jaw. Without teeth, there is nothing in your jaw to stimulate bone growth. This leads to bone deterioration and an aged appearance. This is one of the reasons why dental implants are a better option than dentures, not to mention the slippage and sizing issues that are commonly found in dentures.
Until we can regrow teeth it is clear that dental implants are the next best option. With that being said, not all dental implants are created equal. A good cosmetic dentist will create your new teeth not just to look like natural teeth, but to function like them, too. That will ensure your dental implants will then complement your natural bite, protecting you from not only a painful and annoying uneven bite, but conditions like TMJ as well.
This is important because dental implants don’t have the natural cushion built into them that teeth do. With too much bite force, the bone around your dental implant can be damaged. That’s why it’s good to look for a dentist who is trained in TMJ treatment.
And, speaking of damage, it’s generally a good idea for people who continue playing hockey to wait until they’re retired before they get dental implants–repeated trauma could break dental implants in the jaw, making them very hard to remove.
A Dentist You Can Trust
As I mentioned, it is important to find a proven cosmetic dentist that you can trust. Dr. Dunayer and his team has proven themselves to be one of the best dental teams in the area. If you have any questions about dental implants, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call B&D Dental Excellence at (845) 627-7645 today.
