You could sustain an injury on the court or lose one or more teeth as a result of periodontitis. Whatever the cause of your tooth loss, addressing the issue is crucial for avoiding issues with eating, speaking, or even your overall facial structure. In today’ blog, your Omaha, NE, dentist talks about the dangers of tooth loss, and how we can fill the gaps in your smile.
The Causes of Tooth Loss
Why do we lose our natural teeth? According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, by age 74 over 26% of us have lost all of our teeth. The major cause is periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease that destroys the tissues connecting your teeth and gums. Other causes may include injury, decay and infection, or a dental abscess. As children, we will lose baby teeth of course, but that means permanent ones are gearing up to erupt and continue your smile’s growth. That said, routine visits to address cavities in childhood is key as premature loss of baby teeth could mean a greater risk of misalignment.
The Long-Term Impacts
When we lose a tooth, the body notices and responds by suspending the flow of calcium and phosphorus to the jawbone tissue. Deprived of these nutrients, the jawbone tissue begins to break down, leading to further tooth loss and for some, and aged appearance. Gaps in your smile could cause surrounding teeth to also shift from position, causing crowding and overlapping teeth. Poor alignment could mean an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Others may endure serious strain on the joints that connect your jaw and skull, leading to the onset of TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching), which could mean trouble opening and closing your mouth, jaw pain, headaches, and even damaged teeth, causing a greater risk of cavities and an infection.
Possible Replacement Options
Now that you know the causes of tooth loss, as well as the dangers of not seeking replacement, what do you do about missing teeth? A dental prosthetic will fill the gap in your smile and help prevent misalignment and bite imbalance. For minor tooth loss, we may suggest a dental bridge. A partial or full denture can correct more severe cases of missing teeth. With implant dentistry, we not only replace the visible portion of your missing tooth, but the roots as well, which stimulates the growth of bone tissue and causes the body to resume the flow of calcium and phosphorus.
Do You Have Questions About Dental Prosthetics?
If you have one or more missing teeth, then we have replacement options that look natural and absorb everyday bite forces. To learn more about our treatment options, then schedule a consultation by calling Pacific Hills Dental in Omaha, NE, today at (402) 330-2243. We also serve the residents of Papillion, Elkhorn, La Vista, Millard, and all surrounding communities.
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