Tooth Loss
Escanaba, MI
 Tooth loss in adults can occur from decay, infection, or blunt force trauma. The leading cause of tooth loss is due to infection of the gum tissue known as periodontal disease. Studies tell us that the average American has lost twelve permanent teeth by the age 50. Losing teeth not only affects your smile, but can also alter your bite, how you chew and even your confidence. At Bay Lakes Center for Complex Dentistry, we can help you keep your natural teeth, or restore them with the next best option. Your smile matters.
Dental health and education is changing. Increasingly patients are keeping their teeth longer. Additionally people are living longer, meaning we need to maximize the time we have with our natural teeth, or consider long term replacement options that are good for our bone health and oral health. Today, 70% of tooth loss in adults is still attributed to chronic periodontal disease.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a more severe degree of gum disease. It is an active bacterial infection of the gum tissue that is raging out of control. Everyone is susceptible to periodontal disease, but some patients can increase the likelihood from problems such as dry mouth, smoking tobacco or marijuana and more.
Gum disease occurs from not removing plaque through regular brushing and flossing. Plaque contains sugars, bacteria feeds on the sugars, and the acid the bacteria then emits can destroy soft and hard tissue. This can be combated through a good home oral health routine and regular dental cleanings. Most adult cleaning appointments today include scaling using an ultrasonic scaler, which is similar to a pressure washing for your teeth and gums.
Are Missing Teeth a Problem?
Missing teeth can cause problems with chewing, changes to your alignment and changes in your smile. One missing tooth may not seem problematic, but you may choose to chew primarily on the other side creating uneven wear, you may see shifting from neighboring teeth which can affect how your mouth opens and closes, and you may feel self conscious how it looks. Filling the space is the best option for your oral health.
When Tooth Loss Occurs
If you have lost one or more teeth, it is important to seek dental care for restoration. You will be presented with options including a dental bridge, a partial denture, or even a full denture. Today, we have a treatment option that can restore more than the missing tooth, it can restore the tooth root, restoring the connection between the jawbone and tooth. This is done using a dental implant.
A dental implant is a device that we can surgically insert in your bone to serve as a solid post in your mouth to attach a dental prosthetic to. It mimics the natural root, creating a direct link between your jawbone and tooth. This is good for your bone health as well as your natural function.
Patients with multiple missing teeth can benefit greatly from restoration using dental implants. Missing teeth is not good for your supporting bone, it leads to atrophy, and eventually alterations to your facial shape. We can stop these changes, and support your bone with dental implants.
There are many different reasons for losing teeth. They are most commonly lost to decay, gum disease, and dental trauma. The good news is that the most common causes of tooth loss, cavities and periodontal gum disease, can be prevented with good oral hygiene, and regular check ups and professional cleanings in our offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many different reasons for tooth loss, but our habits can prevent the most common causes of tooth loss.
What Causes Tooth Loss?
The primary cause of tooth loss is poor dental hygiene that leads to decay and gum disease. Without regular brushing and flossing, plaque builds up, destroys tooth enamel, and inflames gums. Over time, plaque causes tooth loss. Secondly, trauma from accidents results in lost teeth. In addition, conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis may weaken the bones that support the teeth, and contribute to tooth loss. Regular check ups and cleanings, and good oral hygiene at home are the most important factors that prevent tooth loss.
Can Tooth Loss Be Prevented?
The most common causes of tooth loss, decay and gum disease, can be prevented with check ups and proper oral hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing removes plaque and bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Scheduling regular check ups and cleanings in our offices allow our team to detect and treat any issues before they escalate. In addition, avoiding sugary foods and beverages, quitting smoking, and wearing a mouthguard for athletic activities protects teeth from damage and loss.
What Are the Treatment Options for Tooth Loss?
Each treatment for tooth loss is tailored to our individual patient's needs and preferences. Dental implants are the most advanced option, and they have the most natural look, feel, and function. Bridges and dentures offer removable replacements for multiple missing teeth. Implant supported bridges and dentures replace multiple teeth, and have the stability of implants, but only require a few implants to support the prosthetic.
How Do Dental Implants Compare to Other Replacement Options?
Dental implants are the most advanced solution to replace missing teeth. Implants are placed directly into the jawbone like natural tooth roots, and offer the stability and function of natural teeth. Implants also prevent bone loss in the jaw, which helps maintain facial structure, and keeps adjacent teeth from shifting. Compared to removable dentures, implants provide a more natural look and feel, and also allow for more confident chewing and speaking without slippage.
What Should I Expect During Recovery from Tooth Loss Treatment?
Recovery times vary from treatment to treatment, and from patient to patient. No two tooth loss treatments are the same. With dental implants, the recovery after placement comes with some discomfort and swelling around the implant site immediately after surgery. The total healing time varies, but it takes several months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone before the final restoration can be placed. Bridges and dentures may require regular dental visits to make adjustments to the new prosthetic, and ensure a proper fit.
Schedule a Consultation
If you're ready to learn more about the options for replacing any missing teeth, give us a call today at (906) 212-4725. |
GREEN BAY (920) 278-7678
