Restorative Dentistry for Veterans: Addressing Long-Term Oral Health Issues
According to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), approximately 42 percent of veteran responders had experienced gum problems or bone loss around their teeth and 56 percent reported having had tooth decay.1 Far too often, military men and women develop these dental issues and others due to a lack of dental coverage, long wait times for appointments, or inconvenient clinic hours. If left untreated, these types of dental concerns can worsen—even leading to tooth loss—and become detrimental to oral and overall health.Â
Jason Keckley, DMD—a Coronado dentist and former U.S. Marine himself—understands the struggles that veterans face and is dedicated to providing military dental care services that can help veterans and active duty military personnel obtain the comprehensive dental treatment they need. One of the most advanced solutions that can be crucial to addressing long-term oral health issues, including conditions such as tooth loss and bone loss, is the dental implant procedure.Â
Typically used to replace missing or severely damaged teeth, dental implants are made up of a titanium post that is implanted in the jawbone and topped with a custom dental crown, bridge, or custom denture. Since dental implants are secured in place in a way that is similar to the roots of natural teeth, they provide a foundation to maintain proper biting, chewing, speaking, and smiling. Plus, they are easy to care for with regular brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings and exams. Dental implants offer veterans with missing teeth a reliable solution to counteract potential long-term damage and maintain jawbone density by stimulating bone growth with unmatched strength and durability that can last decades.Â
It is important for the men and women who have defended our country to be treated with the proper solutions to restore a healthy mouth and well-being. With early intervention and transformative solutions such as dental implants, implant-supported dentures, and other restorative dentistry options, veterans can address common dental conditions and avoid serious oral health issues in the future.Â
As a veteran- and military-friendly dental practice, Dr. Keckley and his team are committed to supporting the needs of service members and their loved ones through the Active Duty Dental Plan (ADDP). To find out how military dental care options can support long-term oral health and a better quality of life, contact Coronado Classic Dentistry today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Keckley.
Medical Reference:
1AIDPH/CareQuest: Veteran Oral Health