Dental implants are commonly used to replace a broken tooth or a tooth with extensive decay that cannot be restored with a root canal or crown. About 1.9 Americans have one or more dental implants each year. Before getting an implant, find out whether it’s the best dental treatment option. Here are five questions to ask your dentist.


1. How will a dental implant benefit my oral health?
A dental implant is designed to fill in for a missing tooth and should feel and function like a normal tooth. After a tooth is pulled and the oral tissue heals, an implant screw, made of titanium or other materials, is inserted into the jawbone. Once the screw adheres to the bone, it’s capped with a crown and looks similar to other teeth.

Titanium implants, invented over 40 years ago, have significantly improved dental treatments reports the American Dental Association. Previously, dentists replaced a missing tooth with a partial denture or a bridge, designed to look like a tooth, that is attached to neighboring teeth. While both options still are used today, dentures and bridges can be uncomfortable, weaken the jawbone, and require periodic replacement.

2. What happens if a missing tooth is not replaced?
When a tooth is lost and not replaced, people may experience difficulty chewing foods, and their jawbone may deteriorate faster, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease and losing neighboring teeth. The remaining teeth may shift, causing bite problems, and the facial skin may sag and create an uneven smile.

3. How long do implants last?
Research shows that 95 percent of implants on average have lasted 13 years or more. Implants today are made of newer materials and designed to fit better, so the jawbone heals faster.

4. How much do implants cost?
Although implants have become a popular dental treatment, many dental insurance plans do not cover the cost. In some cases, medical insurance may pay some of the expense. Depending on the location and dentist, an implant, crown and related dental work can cost $2,000 to $10,000 or more. Ask the dentist to provide a written treatment plan outlining all of the costs, appointment schedules and follow up checkups. Also, ask about the type of implant used and why it’s the best choice for your needs.

5. What is the dentist’s experience with implants?
Before scheduling an implant procedure, find out the dentist’s experience, such as: What is their training with implants? Are they board certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics or prosthodontics, or have they received special training? How many patients have they treated with dental implants?


Daily tooth brushing and flossing can help prevent the need for dental implants. Read this blog to learn more.
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Source: https://www.ameritasinsight.com/wellness/dental/dental-implants?_ga=2.172222371.1425065861.1623757121-1035993497.1623278577 
American Academy of Implant Dentistry
American Dental Association
Boston Magazine
Medical Xpress

It feels like we blinked and boom - summer is here. It comes and goes as quickly as that, so I try to make every day count (especially living in the north!). I recently made a list of things I'd like to do before fall arrives. I only have three to four months to work with, and doing this gives me something to look forward to each month. If you're feeling stumped on what to add to your list, I’ve got you covered!

Here's some fun ideas to add to your summer bucket list to make it the most memorable year yet.
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1. Have a picnic.
   It only takes an hour or two and it's a fun, relaxing activity with a family or friend. If you can't find someone who is available, bring your furry friend along!
   
   
   
2. Spend the day at the beach.
   Nothing beats the feeling of the sun on your face and the sound of waves in the distance. If you aren't close to a beach, go to a friend's pool or your city's pool for some water fun.
   
   
   
3. Go to an amusement park.
   Take the kids and head to your local water park or amusement park to make some fun memories. You'll definitely take some fun pictures and have a lot of laughs!
   
   
   
4. Throw a BBQ at your house.
   Have you always "talked" about getting together with your friends for dinner, but it never happened? Well, now's your chance! Grill up all of those savory foods you've been thinking about all summer and host a great evening at your place.
   
   
   
5. Go camping for a weekend.
   If you're craving the outdoors, this one is for you. Pick a weekend to unplug from your life, and soak in the scenery and wildlife.
   
   
   
6. Stargaze.
   Summer is the perfect time to go stargazing. Drive far away from the city lights to look at the many constellations and planets in the sky! Experts say the best places to stargaze are national or state parks.
   
   
   
7. Attend a bonfire.
   There's no better way to end the night than with a warm fire and some roasted marshmallows!
   
   
   
8. Watch a movie at a drive-in theater.
   It's rare to find a drive-in theater nowadays. If there's one located near you, go watch your favorite flick for a memorable experience.
   
   
   
9. Go to the zoo.
   If you want to do a fun, affordable activity with your kids, this one is for you. They will love seeing their favorite animals up close, and depending on the zoo, they may offer some interactive exhibits for the kids.
   
   
   
10. Go on a mini vacation.
    If you need some new scenery, planning a weekend getaway will be the perfect cure. Look up the nearest vacation town near you, book the hotel, start driving and don't look back! You'll thank me later.
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Before you know it, the cold will be back (in some parts of the country), school will be in session…and you'll be thinking about the smell of that bonfire or how the sand felt between your toes.

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/10-summer-bucket-list-ideas.asp

Whether you're taking a road trip or taking the family camping, driving with a trailer can be a challenge. According to eTrailer.com, when you add a trailer to your vehicle, the overall handling and rules of driving dramatically change. Using your hitch to tow your favorite travel trailer means you should give yourself more time to slow down and turn corners. It's important that drivers of all experience use trailer brakes to decrease speed evenly with the added weight that's being towed. And, because trailers don't follow the exact path as the vehicle on turns, always remember to safely swing out wider when traveling around bends and corners.
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Here are some do's and don'ts of towing to keep you safe on the road.

Do's

• Gradually reduce speed
• Travel at an even, moderate speed
• Steady the steering wheel — sudden turns can cause more sway
• Be cautious of potholes and large bumps
• Use a lower gear over large hills or down gravel roads
• Avoid slamming on the brakes — jackknifing could occur

Don'ts

• Consistently stay in overdrive and/or in a high gear
• Attempt to steer out of trailer sway
• Forget to add sway control or a weight distribution system
• Be afraid to safely stop and reload trailer in case of engine problems, sway, flat tires, etc.

Foremost wants you to tow and travel safely!

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/the-dos-and-donts-of-driving-with-a-trailer.asp