Tooth Loss
Charlotte, NC
 While tooth loss is an exciting sign for a child losing their baby teeth, it may be a cause of alarm for adults. If you lose any of your permanent teeth, do not panic as modern dentistry is bound to have a solution for your problem.
If tooth loss is left untreated, it may disturb the alignment of your teeth over time and result in a host of other dental issues. A missing tooth can also lower your confidence and affect your ability to chew and speak.
Causes of Tooth Loss
Here are some of the common causes of tooth loss in adults:
Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, pertains to inflammation or infection in the gums. It is generally caused by bad oral hygiene. Oral neglect can cause a film of plaque to form over your teeth, which may become a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria can cause gums to hurt, bleed, and recede, which can result in tooth loss.
Tooth Injury
A fall, fight, sports injury, or accident may cause damage to your teeth and their surrounding tissues. As a result, you may end up with chipped or loose teeth. Clenching your teeth due to stress or grinding them while you sleep may also damage the tissues and weaken your teeth.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens your bones and may make them porous. If you develop this condition, even small bumps and impacts can cause your bones to break. While osteoporosis typically affects the hips, spine, and wrists, it may also damage your jawbone.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause the levels of estrogen and progesterone in your body to increase. These hormones may have a negative impact on the periodontium, which is the set of bones and ligaments that are responsible for keeping your teeth intact. When your periodontium is affected, a tooth or two may loosen up.
Tooth Loss Treatments
Tooth loss is likely to cause pain and problems with eating or speaking. However, the good news is that there are a number of treatments available to treat it. Here is a list of common procedures to rectify tooth loss:
Dental implants involve replacing a missing tooth by providing a robust foundation for an artificial tooth. An implant is typically made of a screw-like titanium post so that it can be installed in the missing tooth socket and fuse with the jawbone over time. Once it is fixed, a replacement tooth can be securely placed on top.
A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that is held in position using an abutment on both sides of the empty socket. They are usually made of prosthetic materials in order to blend in with your neighboring teeth. Different types of dental bridges include traditional, cantilever, Maryland and implant-supported bridges.
If you have more than a tooth or two missing, getting removable partial dentures in place may be the best option for you. They consist of a set of replacement teeth that are fixed to a natural-looking pink base. The base is customized to match your gum color, while the replacement teeth are designed to look similar to your natural teeth.
You can prevent tooth loss by maintaining good oral hygiene and refraining from smoking or consuming tobacco. If you have a loose tooth that needs to be taken care of, schedule an appointment with us at Myers Park Dental Partners by calling us at (704) 332-2532 today. |
