Card games are a great way to pass the time with a group of friends, but they can also be great fun just by yourself.

First of all I will address what makes single player card games so enjoyable. Single player card games have been around for hundreds of years and are a core part of western society. People enjoy them for a number of reasons, the more basic games, such as Klondike and clock solitaire are simple and accessible for most people, this is what makes them so fun, all you need is yourself, a little time and a deck of cards.

Some people enjoy the challenge placed by the more complex card games, some find playing single player card games relaxing on a cool summers day. The choices are endless and this is what makes them such a good hobby – once you’ve learnt a couple of single player card games they can amuse you for hundreds of hours, simply because each game is always different, no game of solitaire is the same, and with the number of varieties that are out there, single player card games are one of the best hobbies around.

Card games have evolved over the years, today when most people think of solitaire games today, many people would immediately think of the digital versions for computers, and this is a natural occurrence and overall a good thing for single player card games, as times change they need to stay current, however, there are still millions of people who play the “old-fashion way” with a standard deck of cards.

When can I play single player card games? Some single player card games are short (10-15 minutes) while others can range from 30-45 minutes. Once you’ve learnt a number of both complex and simple games, you can choose which to play depending on your time frame.

For example if your on holiday and you’ve got a few minutes before your going to the beach, a quick game of Klondike can be the perfect time killer. Whereas if your on the boat on your way to your holiday, a nice long game of La Belle Lucie may be more suited.

Now I will attach a brief guide of how to play Beehive Solitaire, which a fun, interesting variant of solitaire:

Shuffle the pack. Then, holding the cards face down, count off 10 cards and put them in a pile face up on the table, with only the top card showing. This is the beehive.

Deal off the next 6 cards, placing them in 2 horizontal rows of 3 cards each. This is the flower garden into which you try to get the bees, or cards in the beehive, as well as all the other cards. Hold the remainder of the pack in your hand, face down.

The object is to combine all the 52 cards in sets of 4 of a kind, such as 4 Threes, 4 Jacks, and so on, by grouping them in sets of 4 in the flower garden, and removing each set when it is completed.

Play: With the cards laid out as described, begin to send bees to the garden. If the top card of the beehive is the same in value as any car in the garden, place it on that card. Then the next card in the hive being uncovered may be used if it has the same value as any card in the garden.

No card is ever place on the beehive, since the object is to use up all its cards as quickly as possible. Cards are placed only on the 6 garden cards.

If 2 cards in the garden have the same value, place one on top of the other, and fill the vacant space with the top card of the beehive. When all the cards of the same value, among the cards on the table, have been combined, deal off 3 cards from the pack in your hand, placing them in a pile face up, with only the top card (the third card from the top of the pack) showing.

This will begin a working pile. If the top card has the same value as any card in the garden, place it on the garden card, and use the card it uncovers in the working pile if it, too, has the same value as any in the garden. When you complete a set of 4 cards of the same value in the garden, such as 4 threes, remove it, put it to one side, and fill the vacant space with the top card of the beehive.

When there are no more cards in the beehive, fill a vacant space with the top card of the working pile. Go through the pack 3 cards at a time, placing them face up on the working pile and using as many as you can on cards in the garden, building sets of 4. Then turn over the working pile and go through it again, 3 cards at a time.

To win the game: If you combine all the cards in sets of 4, you win. Then turn over the working pile and go through it again, 3 cards at a time. However, if you have gone through the working pile without being able to use a single card, you lose the game.

Overall single player card games are one of the best hobbies still around today, they stimulate your brain, are excellent for practising your problem solving skills and have been shown to increase your IQ, so give them a try!

Introduction

We live in a society that places high value and expectation on being in a coupled relationship and singles are often stigmatized for their single-status. Gay men, in particular, are often labeled as being unable to develop and maintain long-lasting intimate relationships, adding yet another layer to this stigma. This can lead to feelings of low self-worth and inferiority, a sense that there’s something wrong with you if you don’t have a boyfriend, an excessive focus and preoccupation with your discontent with being single, and sometimes a compulsive drive to find a relationship just to satisfy that nagging need (which can be a dangerous and sabotaging maneuver if one’s dating practices are conducted out of desperation rather than conscious intention).

For those who have not chosen singlehood as a lifestyle and do long to be in a relationship, this can be a painfully difficult experience. Special occasions, holidays, weddings, times of loneliness, and just witnessing other couples can be very triggering events for singles that serve to magnify their restlessness and unfulfillment with being solo. What these types of single gay men need most is a reassurance and recognition that this phase of life can be one of the most enjoyable and transformational times of their lives if they choose it to be. This article will validate the positive values of being single and will offer some suggestions for making the most of your single life.

The Benefits of Being Single

Singlehood is the time in your life where you have the greatest degree of flexibility and freedom to do whatever you want. You can be more spontaneous, independent, selfish, and adventurous because there can be less commitments and more time to pursue the things you want to do; you can make your life into anything that you want it to be as you’re completely in “the driver’s seat.” You have the ability to enter in and out of situations with relative ease and to meet a variety of new people. You are responsible only for yourself and can make choices and major decisions without having to take another into account or to have to answer to anyone. You don’t have to deal with another’s annoying habits or nuances and don’t have to compromise. Other aspects of your identity (career, family, friends, etc.) can have more emphasis as there’s less competition for your focus and attentions.

More importantly, though, being single puts you in the ideal position for cultivating yourself to reach your fullest potential as an individual. It’s an opportunity for self-exploration and investing in your own personal growth and development. It’s also an ideal time to learn what’s needed to be fully prepared for love when you find it, to experiment safely with your sexuality, and to explore different types of relationships. It’s fertile ground for learning about who you are and what your needs are. Harville Hendrix, Ph.D. says it best in his book “Keeping the Love You Find”:”Singleness would be recognized as a vital stage of the journey to maturation, a time to learn about who we are, to learn responsibility and self-sufficiency, to identify our true desires, and to confront our inner strengths and demons, a time to make changes in the things that stymie our pleasure and progress in life, to learn how to connect and communicate on alllevels. It would be sorely needed relationship training.” (1)

Action Steps for Navigating Your Single Life

The following are some practical tips and suggestions for managing your singlehood to promote a positive acceptance and enjoyment of this special time in your life.

1. Create a checklist of the opportunities that being single affords you and start living them!

2. Start a journal about your single-status and what it means to you. Answer the following questions:

o Why am I single? How do I feel about that?

o What do I want from being single?

o What thoughts, feelings, and behaviors hold me back from being able to embrace this time of my life?

o How do I contribute to my own unfulfillment with being single? How do I sabotage myself?

Don’t deny your feelings or ignore your desire for a relationship. Process these feelings in your journal and write about ways you can create more meaning and purpose in your life.

3. Identify the biggest challenges you face with being single and develop goals to defeat them.

4. Develop affirmation cards. Grab some index cards and write positive thoughts, motivational statements, advantages and opportunities of being single, and self-improvement goals onto the cards. Read them to yourself daily to begin internalizing the messages. Alternatively, stick the cards in a jar and during times of loneliness or depressive funks, refer to the cards for a quick pick-me-up.

5. Identify things you’ve always been meaning to do or try but never made the time to pursue or learn. Take action.

6. Build your support system, join a class, volunteer for a cause that’s meaningful to you, commit yourself to health and wellness.Be active. Live your life to the max! Make it count!

Conclusion

As you can see, being single provides you with many opportunities for self-growth, fun, and preparing yourself for your life partner when you eventually meet him. Take advantage of this crucial time in your life to accomplish your life goals, improve your self-esteem, work through any internalized homophobia you may be struggling with, and build your interpersonal skills. It’s important to avoid glamorizing relationships because “the grass is not always greener on the other side” and to realize that having a boyfriend does not take away problems that you may already have in your life. Appreciate this time of your life and don’t measure your happiness or worth as a person on your relationship status.

The Law of Attraction states that we attract situations, people, and experiences in our lives that reflect who we are and what we focus on. Negativity about being single will only mirror, magnify, and attract more negativity. Counter this by taking charge of your single life and crafting it into being the most meaningful and fulfilling time of your life with its alignment to your life vision and purpose. Cheers to your becoming a successful single!

(1) Hendrix, H. (1992). Keeping the Love You Find. New York: Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster, Inc.

© 2004 Brian L. Rzepczynski

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Brian Rzepczynski, Certified Personal Life Coach, is The Gay Love Coach: “I work with gay men who are ready to create a road map that will lead them to find and build a lasting partnership with Mr. Right.” To sign up for the FREE Gay Love Coach Newsletter filled with dating and relationship tips and skills for gay singles and couples, as well as to check out current coaching groups, programs, and teleclasses, please visit http://www.TheGayLoveCoach.com.

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Who would’ve ever thought saying the words “I’m pregnant” will cause me to experience a broken heart and fall into a deep depression.

After telling him that I was pregnant, my daughter father was adamant about me getting an abortion, he even asked for me to put my daughter up for adoption. I repeatedly told him no but that didn’t stop him. He then turned to emotional abuse and reminding me of how jacked up my life was at that time.

I was under so much stress while pregnant, all I could do was eat and sleep. After giving my baby’s father words some thought of how my life was already messed up and bringing another child into this world would only delay my struggle, I agreed to have an abortion.

For the first time in a while, my daughter’s father and I was actually sitting down at the abortion clinic having a normal conversation like we use to do before I got pregnant. I was at peace with the decision to abort my baby and move on with my life.

As I headed to the back and into a room to get prep for the procedure, I felt at peace which was strange because I never had an abortion before, so why was I so calm?

The doctor came into the room and took a look at the baby and how far along I was on the monitor. I saw the doctor take a second look at the screen and then asked me “Do you really want to go through with this?” Why you say that? was my response. “You are 17 weeks pregnant, not 12, so if you go through with this procedure it will be a two-day procedure and cost $5,000” at that I jumped off of the table and started putting my clothes back on. I advised the doctor that I would not being following through with the procedure because deep down I really wanted to keep my baby, I was just under a lot of stress from my baby daddy. I went out into the waiting room and handed my daughter father his money back and told him sorry buddy, I’m not having an abortion.

Here are some tips to help you if you are feeling pressure to abort your child:

1. Know what you want. If you want to keep your baby then stand your ground and keep your baby.

2. Never make an emotional decision while under pressure that you might later regret. Ask your baby father to give you time and space to time about what you want and what’s best for you and your child and use that time to get clear on the things you want to do regarding your unborn baby.

3. Be okay with him leaving and not being apart of your child’s life if you choose to keep your baby.

4. Know that as you take care of your children, God will take care of you.

5. Form you a support circle to help assist you through your journey of motherhood.

To conclude, never allow someone to pressure you into making a decision that you don’t want to make. Keep your baby. The bible says “Children are a blessing from the Lord”. Celebrate your blessing and allow God to take care of the rest.

Many of us have walked into a home and recognized immediately that there was more than one family or many occupants in a home than is typical. The question is, does this multiple tenancy of a residential home negatively affect mortgage eligibility or real property value?

Mortgage lenders generally ask their appraisers to advise them if they have seen evidence of renters or multiple tenancy in a single-family residential (SFR) building, and thus appraisers are required to report when a home is not being used for a single-family purpose . Lenders generally reject multiple tenancy homes from single-family lending programs since they do not meet SFR lending requirements

Often the multiple family use of a home violates home owner association rules, master-plan community rules, city codes, zoning and planning, but it always violates the rules for single-family residential home lending.

The problem for homeowners is that while they may escape dealing with some multiple tenancy violations that doesn't mean that they won't have problems later. Getting rid of co-habitat or multiple tenants doesn't always go that well and if a home has been guaranteed after a sale or as of a date certain one of the tenants may not vacate on time. That can create liability and be the cause for some serious damage claims.

If you are going to sell your home and you have multiple tenants living in it, you should disclose that fact to the buyer and give your tenants or co-habitants enough notice to vacate the property so that they don't create problems for your sale or the buyer's possession.

If a SFR property has been modified for a use like a group home then changes may likely be necessary to bring the property back to its original single-family layout. Most buyers purchasing a property for a single-family use will take exception to home changes that are atypical like those having 6 to 10 bedrooms.

Multiple tenancy over an extended period of time can take its toll on a SFR building physically. When you have 12 to 20 adults living and working in a residential building for years, which happens in group homes, the cost to bring it back to a marketable state can be significant. If changes are not made the amount of time taken to market it can be significantly extended and as discussed many lenders may reject it even though the tenants have vacated.

It's my opinion, living near individuals who use their large, single-family homes occupied by multiple tenant that the most damaged parties are the neighbors of the multiple tenancy building not the owner. Parking 5 or 6 cars on the street, when the HOA rules ban the practice, can create an everyday eyesore. Add to that the constant movement of adults and children in an out of a home and you can turn a building and its surroundings into a circus atmosphere. It's not what responsible adults should do with their homes, especially not in a tract home development.

The answer to the question "does multiple tenancy in a SFR home affect value?" is "sometimes" depending on the intensity of the use, the number of tenants, the changes made to the home and the length of time it is used for a non-traditional purpose.

While an owner may escape from being sued by an HOA or the City / County that restricts such uses, you won't be making lots of friends with your neighbors by having a prolonged, multiple tenancy use, and you had better hope than none of them are attorneys or that one of your neighbors doesn't think that the violation is more important than his money. So, multiple tenancy can have a small or a large negative impact on a SFR home, depending on the circumstances.

It’s very important to learn how a single woman acts, speaks,

and uses body language around you that indicates that she is romantically or sexually interested in you. When you learn

these signs, you can use this to your advantage. If a woman

is truly interested in you, this really increases your chances

of scoring with her.

Use these guidelines to tell if a single woman is truly

interested and attracted to you:

1. Big smiles with upper and lower teeth showing, with a

relaxed face.

2. She gazes in your eyes with deep interest and her pupils

are dilated (this could be mistaken for being high on drugs).

3. Biting of the lips or showing of the tongue, licking her

lips or touching of her front teeth.

4. While talking to you she is slowly stroking her cocktail

glass up and down with her thumb and index finger.

5. If she is wearing clothes that shows her nipples underneath

and you notice they are getting perky and erect.

6. She starts sitting straight up and her muscles appear to

be firm.

7. Her crossed leg is pointed towards you or if that same leg

is rocking back and forth towards you.

8. She raises or lowers the volume of her voice to match

yours.

9. She rubs her chin or touches her cheek. This indicates

that she’s thinking about you and her relating in some way.

10. She blows smoke straight out from between her lips and

toward you.

11. She winks at you while talking to you or winks at you

from a distance.

12. She exposes the palms of her hand facing you.

13. She twirls her hair around her fingers while she is

looking at you.

14. Her skin tone becomes red while being around you.

15. She rubs her wrists up and down.

16. She puts her fingernail between her teeth.

17. She laughs in unison with you.

18. She touches your arm, shoulder, thigh, or hand while

talking to you.

19. Plays with her jewelry, especially with stroking and

pulling motions.

20. She mirrors your body language and body positions.

21. Eyebrows raised and then lowered, then a smile usually

indicates interest in you.

22. While talking to you, she rests an elbow in the palm of

one hand, while holding out her other hand, palm up.

23. In a crowd she speaks only to you and focuses all of her

undivided attention on you.

24. While talking to you, she blinks more than usual,

fluttering her eyelashes.

25. She speeds up or slows down her speaking to match yours.

I know this is a lot of signs to look for, but this will be

to your advantage to know if she’s interested in you. If

she’s not truly interested in you, you will just be wasting

your time on her. Memorize these positive signs to determine

if she’s got the “hots” for you and take advantage of the

situation accordingly with your charm and seduction techniques.

What’s a curbside without a traditional-looking curbside recycling container sitting on the edge? With many cities making the switch to single stream recycling and distributing 2-wheeled carts, the curbside container may become a thing of the past. Single stream recycling allows all materials, whether it is paper, plastic or glass to be collected in the same container. Once collected at the curb, these recyclables are transported to a special facility equipped to sort through the items by both humans and machines, then baled and prepared for market sale.

So why make the switch? For starters, single stream recycling is very easy for residents to understand and use. If a single stream facility is a possibility for your city, the switch can increase your participation rates by taking the guesswork out of recycling and increasing your overall diversion rates. In addition, collection costs are reduced by using single-compartment trucks which are typically cheaper to purchase and operate as they can be used for larger loads – allowing for fewer trips to the recycling center.

What will residents require for single stream recycling? Typically, a 65 gallon, 2-wheeled recycling cart is given to each resident to place at their curb for recyclables collection. But how are they collecting their materials inside? It is unrealistic to expect residents to walk each individual item to their cart as needed. There are many under-the-sink recycling bins that work perfectly to collect contents prior to emptying into a cart. It is important to choose a recycling container with a small footprint and a sturdy handle for easy transport. Since this is a new program, educating your participants is important! Choosing a container that is able to be custom-stamped with the “acceptable materials” is a good idea and will assist in lowering chances of contamination.

How are you going to spread the word? Let everyone know that change is coming their way! Many cities will distribute a mail-out indicating that their program has evolved and that positive change is in store for them. This mail-out may announce the arrival of their new cart and indoor collection bin as well as instruct residents as to what they may do with their now unneeded curbside bin. A list of “acceptable materials” may also be included to help get a jump start on educating participants on how they will need to change their recycling habits. Another great promotion strategy is incorporating a handy giveaway with the mail out. There are miniature roll out carts that act as pen holders which are often used to promote the change to single stream recycling. They are able to be custom stamped with useful information such as program launch date and perhaps an informational phone number or anything you desire.

Look for feedback. Once your program has launched be sure to listen to the concerns of your residents. Encourage them to come forward with any questions or helpful tips they may have or need. At the end of the day the more people taking part in your program the better your diversion rates and landfill lifespan will be.

Increasing recycling rates by switching to single stream recycling is cost-effective and easy for residents to understand. Now that is recycling made simple.

1. Love yourself – join an exercise program

Okay, we all know it’s important to exercise. But did you know that joining a program or a gym can help you feel a real sense of community? By making this commitment over time, you get to know others who feel the same way about taking care of themselves. You see each other frequently. It’s a bond that can rival what some find with fellow church members or volunteers for a cause. Those buddies are there for you even when storms occur in other parts of your life – relationships, jobs, and so on. If funds are low, check out city programs or the Y in your area.

If you hate groups, find a workout buddy – OR if you’ve got the cash, a personal trainer. It’s so good to have company on those days when you’re just too tired to work out. And with the trainer, since you’re paying him/her, there’s no commitment. You don’t have to feel bad if you absolutely CAN’T make yourself go. Just reschedule.

2. Treat yourself regularly – you deserve it Reserve time for your favorite pampering activities — pedicure, manicure, waxing, or whatever your bag is. Even if you’re not used to doing this, giving yourself this time is a powerful way to affirm that you are special. If funds are low, give yourself the gift of time to do it for yourself. Go to a salon and have someone show you what to do. As a friend once said – a man’s man who also had pretty good sensitivity, “Hey, if you don’t do it for yourself, why would anybody else?” Another great one – plan a day in bed. No guilt, just enjoy!

3. Open your heart – give as generously as you can Because you’re the only one supplying them, both your time and your money are precious to you. But opening your heart does more than nice things for others – it clears the way for you to receive even more good. Choose a cause you care about and dedicate some time/money. Take the time to choose and purchase gifts that truly reflect your recipient’s personality. If you need ideas, spend some time on Google searching for “gift ideas” for the type of person you’re buying for. Or get to know someone who has that magical ability to put romance in every gift – and then ask him or her!

4. Fall in love! Adopt a pet Unless you’re allergic to every living creature in the world, you’ll get more out of taking care of a pet than it will cost you. Visit the animal rescues in your area. If you don’t have the time or energy for dog walking and don’t like cats, consider a unique lower-maintenance pet – bird, snake, rabbit. Talk to the experts before you go for these types of animals–each requires a learning curve to have the most successful relationship. Look up the House Rabbit Society or similar groups. And be sure to have a backup who’ll take Mortimer when you’re out of town!

5. Don’t live in fear – take reasonable risks with money As the sole support, you likely don’t have much backup if things go wrong. But by making sure you understand what your options are – and realizing the worst possible outcome is probably not as bad as you think – you may be able to spend more than you think. On the other hand, don’t dig yourself in beyond recovery. It’s not fun to live with no credit at all for 7 years – the typical fallout from bankruptcy.

6. Learn to enjoy eating out alone Yes, it can seem hard at first if you haven’t worked up to it. Try this: go to your local coffee shop or café. Order your favorite drink (coffee, latte, wine, whatever) and promise yourself you’ll sit there for at least 5 minutes before you leave. If even that’s too much, at least plan to walk casually down the street with your cup for a few minutes. Next time, order a muffin with your coffee. Practice! If you need distraction, bring a book. Some experienced SWWANs bring a notebook to write in or sketchbook to draw in – observe your surroundings. Hint: If you wouldn’t mind some conversation, try sitting at the bar or one of the new “single diner” areas popping up in a few better restaurants.

7. Ask for help! Long-time successful single women know that it can be hard to ask for help. We all want to be strong and independent and not needy. But hey, everybody needs help. Why should you – who are handling it all alone – have even less help than other people!? Practice with small things first. You’ll get better with time. And you’ll find that most people are glad to help – they were just embarrassed to ask because they didn’t want you to think THEY thought you were needy!

7.5 Dance! Dance – at home before you go out, when you’re feeling blue, instead of eating! Let the magic of music and movement transform your energy. Let yourself go – you’ll feel a tremendous difference.

When a man cracks some career success and works to pull off the plans to achieve more, he wants a safe and sound life for himself and his family.

Single home production is a pattern of home designing and development which is constructed for a single families. The purpose of this post is to analyze the demand and its implications for the economic pressure and supply chain.

Economists and Realtors believe that the United States is on a verge of seeing a lot of changes during 2015-16. Low mortgage rates and a stable economy are best for the people that are likely to accept single-family homes. Such things are considered Social and Economic signals that predict the overall performance in terms of incline or decline for any economy.

David Crowe of The National Association of Home Builders believes that 2014 has been quite good for Realtors and Construction businesses.

Factors of Increase in the demand for Single Family Home Production

There are certainly some factors that make the reasons to build up the environment for single housing. Take a look at the factors that increase the demand for such homes:

Increase in Employment Opportunities

One of the key reasons for the rise in demand for single-family homes is considerably the rise in jobs and wages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in the United States is down to 5.5 percent, and it is still decreasing. The figure of 5.5 unemployment rate of March 2015 is far better than March 2014 rate that was 6.6.

Low Mortgage Rate

Another important reason for the boost in such home’s demand is the low mortgage rate. It brings convenience to an average house owner who apparently looks concerned with the family’s overall standard of life. Low Mortgage rate helps ordinary families grow lavishly.

Economic Growth

Economic growth is one of the essential elements of the increase in the decision making towards single production and buying. Single family home’s demand is directly proportionate to the economic growth. As the United States has been moving towards economic stability, the chances to get off the track in terms of financial position are likely decreasing.

Annual demand

According to the NAHB data, the request for Single family homes is continuously increasing. Single-family house production rose 2.5% in 2014 and reached 637,000 units, whereas it is expected to rise by 26% in the year 2015, and the figure may reach 802,000 units. If growth remains the same in this industry, it is anticipated that it would reach 1.1 million in 2016.

We've all heard the terms used to describe windows: double hung, single hung, triple pane, casement, sliders, etc. Though windows do differ in how they operate and perform from day to day, one thing remains the same – if you have windows you have to clean windows.

Double hung windows and single hung windows are virtually the same thing, but where they differ is which parts of them move. In the former, both panes move, one up and one down so you can get air into your space and ventilate bad smells out. Either the top or the bottom or both can be open at any given time. With the latter, however, it's just the bottom pane that moves up or down, leaving the upper pane a stationary window.

Both of these types of windows have a timeless style and are very functional. They don't take up much room because they don't swing in or out but rather they go up and down and they are pretty easy to keep clean. The look great and can be used in any room of the house which makes them a popular choice with consumers.

If your double or single hung windows aren't of the tilting variety, like some are, never mind, they are still easy to clean. Simply put them to the closed position and clean the inside pane, then the outside pane. If they do tilt in you have it made in the shade as you can clean both sides at the same time without moving from indoors to out. Tilt the window in, wipe both sides and place it back in the frame. What can be easier than that?

All glass can be cleaned with a variety of products from warm soapy water to specialized glass cleaners, but you can get great, streak free results from something as simple as newspaper and vinegar. Both are easily accessible and do the job fast and effectively.

Windows can also benefit from a professional cleaning. A professional window cleaner has the proper tools and the know how to get all of your windows gleaming. They are also experts on insect damage and repair and can tell you what to watch for in terms of wear and when it is time to replace windows completely. While you may not need a professional each time, once or twice a year is a good bet to keep your house looking great!

Teeth are lost because of trauma or disease. Trauma may come in the form of an accident or excessive biting forces. Disease is generally tooth decay or periodontal disease [gum disease] but there are other categories such as cancer and various neoplasm’s of the jaw that may result in tooth loss. Studies show that more than 50% of the population have one or more missing teeth. Trauma commonly causes the loss of a single front tooth. The effect this has on a persons’ well being is obvious. Fortunately an experienced dental implantologist can usually remove the remaining root, place a dental implant, and secure a new tooth to that implant in one visit of an hour or two. The loss of a single tooth in the back is usually caused by tooth decay or periodontal disease. Sometimes this can be treated just like front teeth but for various reasons it is often more time consuming.

More often than not the treatment for a single missing back tooth is as follows:

1. Extraction of the damaged tooth and grafting of the root sockets. Wait 4 months then
2. Placement of a dental implant to replace the root of the single missing tooth. Wait 4 to 6 months then
3. Placement of an abutment on the dental implant and record taking for the fabrication of a crown to replace the single missing tooth. Wait 3 weeks then
4. Permanent attachment of the abutment to the implant and cementation of the crown to the abutment. TREATMENT COMPLETE

The need for replacing a single missing tooth in the back is often times not as intuitively obvious as the need for replacing a single missing tooth in the front; but it is important. Teeth are very movable. We’ve all witnessed an Orthodontist putting tension on a tooth with a small rubber band and moving it where ever he wants. Each tooth in the mouth has a position and a purpose. When there is a single missing tooth the body’s natural reaction is to drift adjacent teeth into the void that is created. Over time a single missing tooth may actually cause a change in the position of every other tooth in the mouth. Malocclusion may then develop contributing to TMJ [tempromandibular joint] dysfunction, headaches, muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders, food impaction between teeth, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other problems. Because these problems don’t always develop and because they may occur years after the single tooth is lost, people often times don’t associate the loss of their tooth to the problems it caused. It is a shame that a single missing tooth is frequently ignored in light of the possible consequences but the development of dental implants for the replacement of a single missing tooth is encouraging many more people to seek early treatment.

Multiple missing teeth usually follows a single missing tooth. Each time a tooth is lost and not replaced it accelerates the process of losing more teeth. As multiple teeth are lost all of the problems associated with a single missing tooth are exaggerated. But there are additional concerns as well. Those would include but not be limited to:

1. Collapse of vertical dimension- As multiple back teeth are lost the mouth loses their support when we close causing the chin to get closer to the nose. This has the effect of deep folds at the corner of the mouth and thinning of the lips. It can easily age a persons’ appearance by 10 to 20 years.
2. Collapse of facial structure-As multiple back teeth are lost facial support of the cheeks is lost causing a sunken in look. Once again the result is premature aging.
3. Bone loss- The bones of our upper and lower jaws have only one natural purpose; the support of our tooth roots. When the roots are lost the bone begins to melt away much as a muscle does that is not used. This results in further lose of facial support and can make the wearing of artificial prosthetics such as dentures impossible. It can also make the placement of dental implants more challenging.
4. Inability to chew foods properly-The mouth is the first in a series of organs designed to assimilate and digest foods. The more thoroughly we can chew the food the better the whole system works. Mom wasn’t wrong when she admonished all of us to chew our food more slowly and thoroughly.
5. Inability to eat a healthy diet-As more and more teeth are lost it becomes increasingly difficult to eat a balanced diet. Important staples such as raw vegetables and nuts become impossible to eat and we lose out on the many vitamins and minerals they provide.
6. Inability to eat the foods we enjoy-Corn on the cob, ribs, steaks, fajitas, etc. become impossible to eat. Many people don’t know how much being able to eat what they want means to them until it’s too late.
7. Embarrassment-There is a social stigma associated with missing teeth. Many people simply quit smiling or hide their smiles with their hands. That is unfortunate because we know of very few people who lost their teeth because they wanted to. Each person has their own story and all of them or sad.

These are but a few of the problems that people face because of single and multiple missing teeth. Now, dental implants offer amazingly simple and dependable solutions. Dental implants for single missing teeth or multiple missing teeth are artificial roots made of titanium that replace the roots of natural teeth. For a single missing tooth one implant is placed and a crown is attached to it. The result is a natural looking tooth that functions and works just like the natural tooth that was replaced. Many people think that with multiple missing teeth that one dental implant is required to replace each tooth; that is not usually the case. For example if three teeth in a row are missing it is often possible to replace them with only two dental implants and a fixed bridge between them. With the amazing All on 4 protocol and entire arch [16 teeth] can be replaced with only four implants and a fixed bridge.

The placement of a dental implant is usually quick and almost painless for those who are candidates. One requirement is an adequate quantity and quality of bone. As mentioned previously when a tooth is extracted the bone that once secured its’ root begins to melt away. Some studies indicate that up to 40% of the bone volume in that area may be lost in the first twelve months. Modern dentist with an understanding of oral surgery and implants place materials in the sockets where the tooth roots were to prevent this from happening. The result is a healthy site for the future placement of a dental implant. Dentist with a more advanced understanding of dental implants may actually place an implant into the socket when the tooth is extracted. When this can be achieved it is the best and simplest solution for preventing bone loss. But because many dentist do not understand dental implants and the protocols necessary for preserving bone, and because many patients take a cavalier approach to the loss of a tooth, sometimes there is a need for an implant but not adequate bone to support it. Modern implant designs minimize this as do implant placement protocols such as those of the All on 4 technique but they cannot eliminate the occasional need for more bone.

When there simply must be more bone, bone regeneration procedures are required. This normally incorporates one of many different types of materials that replace the lost bone volume and encourage the formation of new bone. With the advent of stem cell and bone morphogenic enhanced materials this has become far simpler and more predictable. What once required a maxillofacial and an orthopedic surgeon in a hospital setting can now be predictably performed by a well trained dental surgeon in his office. Once this new bone has matured, usually 4 to 6 months, a single or multiple tooth replacement dental implant can be placed just as predictably as if the graft had not been required.

Single Dental Implant Procedure:-

Steps for placement of a single dental implant in the site of a single missing tooth

• After conscious sedation is administered the placement site of the single missing tooth is infiltrated with local anesthesia.
• A small incision is made in the soft tissue covering the bone in the single missing tooth site and an osteotomy is prepared. An osteotomy is the same thing as a pilot hole made prior to the placement of a screw in wood. Once the osteotomy is completed a single dental implant is threaded into it. Now we have a man made root where the natural root was. Just like a natural root this dental implant is beneath the gums and in the bone and cannot be seen in the mouth. A piece called an abutment is screwed into the single dental implant. The abutment provides the transition from the dental implant beneath the gums to a tooth above the gums. Impressions are taken of the abutment and they are sent to a dental laboratory
• In about three weeks a crown is returned from the laboratory and it is secured to the abutment with glue [cement]. You now have a new tooth that looks, functions, and feels just like a natural tooth.

Dental implants for the replacement of single missing teeth and multiple missing teeth have become as routine for dental implantologist as fillings are at your family dentist. For those with single missing teeth they offer an exceptional replacement solution that can help prevent future problems. For those who have lost multiple teeth or all of their teeth dental implants can give them back their smile, confidence, and self esteem. It can truly give them a second chance.