Dental implants are the most promising way to restore a smile on the faces of people who have lost one or more teeth. This procedure is widely suggested for people who lost their teeth in an accident or due to periodontal disease. Dental implants help people grind and chew food properly and also help in giving their appearance a proper definition. Read on to learn more about this procedure, its types, and its benefits. Who needs dental implants? An individual with one or more missing teeth or damaged roots would require dental implants. This procedure replaces a tooth or teeth that have been lost. They are usually made of titanium, a biocompatible metal that does not cause inflammation in the body when it enters it. It can replace one or more teeth, including the root of a molar (the back part of your upper jaw). Types of dental implants There are three types of dental implants – endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants, and zygomatic implants. Dental implants are placed into the jawbone. They can be placed either endosteal (through the bone) or subperiosteal (on the surface of your jawbone). Endosteal implants Endosteal implantation is done by creating a hole in your oral cavity, then inserting a metal post inside this opening. This procedure lasts around six months and successfully restores teeth lost due to decay or trauma. When there are not enough teeth remaining after removal surgery, endosteal implants may be used as an alternative to other methods, such as partial dentures or bridgework, because it does not necessitate extensive surgery on your mouth area itself.  Subperiosteal implants Subperiosteal implants were invented as an alternative to endosteal implants, performed when there is an insufficient healthy bone in the lower jaw to support the implants. In this implant, a metal frame is planted with a post attached to the gum.

Heart-related issues are some of the most concerning health concerns in the country. Of these, a key condition is atrial fibrillation or abnormal heart rhythm. The country sees over 454,000 hospitalizations with atrial fibrillation as the primary diagnosis, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, one can prevent and manage the condition by making lifestyle changes, including healthy eating habits. Here are some heart-healthy foods to help deal with atrial fibrillation: Causes and symptoms Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is heart arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm. The condition usually causes an irregular or fast heartbeat and can be fatal if not treated immediately. Atrial fibrillation is caused by an imbalance between the electrical impulses that control the heartbeat’s rhythm in the left atrium—the top section of the heart. One may have this irregular heartbeat for several months before or after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. The condition develops when the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and chaotically. An irregular heartbeat can cause severe damage to blood vessels, making them leak fluid. If left untreated, this fluid buildup can lead to organ failure and other serious complications. Here are some of the common causes of AFib: High blood pressure: One’s blood pressure rises when exercising and decreases when fasting. However, one should opt for regular checkups with the doctor if they have abnormal blood pressure fluctuations or high blood pressure (hypertension). Damage following a heart attack or surgery: If one has had a heart attack recently or major surgery on one of the arteries—such as an angioplasty—the risk of developing AFib increases significantly. AFib occurs in 20% to 40% of patients after getting a coronary artery bypass surgery. Common symptoms of atrial fibrillation are: A fast or irregular heartbeat Fatigue Dizziness, fainting, and lightheadedness Sweating, palpitations (or rapid, pounding heartbeat), and shortness of breath (dyspnea).  Additionally, people with the condition could also experience chest pain or weakness and shortness of breath when walking up the stairs or participating in a similar physical activity.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), also known as wet AMD, is a condition that causes vision loss in the center of the retina. The disease can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and other factors. Age-related macular degeneration does not affect a person’s eyesight overnight but progresses over time. However, diagnosing it early is essential for keeping one’s baseline vision intact. This article debunks 10 common myths about the condition. Read on to know more. Dry AMD is easier to treat than Wet AMD Patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can see improvement within just one month after starting a new treatment plan. Many people think dry AMD is more difficult to treat than wet AMD, but the opposite is true. While both forms of the disease can cause vision loss and blindness if left untreated, dry AMD does not require surgery or prescription treatment as frequently as it does for those with wet AMD. One will know right away if they have AMD The truth is that most patients with AMD do not know they have it. Generally, at the initial stages, it creates only minor vision changes or shows no symptoms at all. It is only at a later stage, when the vision starts getting worse, does a person realize that something is wrong with their eyesight. For this reason, it is suggested that one must get their eyes checked regularly to keep their health in check.  Nothing can be done to prevent the progression of AMD Many believe that there is nothing that can be done to manage AMD. However, this is not true. Making a few changes in the meal plans and regularly consulting with a doctor can help prolong a person’s vision. It is best to consume more leafy vegetables and oily fish for the extra nutrients required for good eyesight.  If a person has a family history of wet AMD, they will get it too Family history does not guarantee that a person will get AMD.