Tooth Loss
Dentist SE Portland
 Around 178 million Americans have at least one missing tooth, while 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth. A missing tooth can cause several problems; it changes the appearance of your smile, negatively impacts the alignment of your teeth, and affects your speech and the ability to chew. We also can’t deny the fact that it also shatters your confidence, making it hard for you to want to smile.
Most Common Causes of Tooth Loss
| • |
Gum disease: Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss. This happens when bacteria accumulate on the surface of your teeth, causing inflammation. It can progress and destroy the gum tissue as well. The first phase of gum disease is gingivitis. However, with proper oral care, you can easily prevent and reverse gingivitis.
|
| • |
Physical injury: Accidents happen, and some result in tooth loss. Sports injuries are common, thus wearing mouthguards is important while indulging in any physical activity that could result in trauma to your mouth.
|
| • |
Cavities: These are the permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth caused by bacteria. If your cavity has just started, your dentist will recommend fluoride treatment to help restore your tooth’s enamel.
|
| • |
Poor Oral Hygiene: You welcome the initial stages of a cavity by not following proper oral hygiene. |
Tooth Replacement Options
If you are looking to replace a lost tooth, there are different replacement procedures available. Here are the three most common and durable tooth replacement options that you can consider to improve the appearance of your smile:
Bridges
A dental bridge consists of two or more specifically fitted crowns placed on either side of the gap with a replacement tooth located in between. Benefits of bridges include:
| • |
Help restore smile
|
| • |
Can last up to 15 years
|
| • |
Maintain the natural shape of the face
|
| • |
More durable than dentures
|
| • |
Keep your natural teeth in place |
Dentures
Dentures are removable or permanent appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. There are two types of dentures available – full or partial. Full dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when only some of the teeth are missing. Some of the benefits of dentures are as follows:
| • |
They improve the look of your smile
|
| • |
Easy to clean
|
| • |
Improve speech
|
| • |
Comfortable and durable
|
| • |
Less expensive in comparison to implants
|
| • |
Improve the ability to chew
|
| • |
Can last up to 10 years |
Implants
A dental implant is a small post made with titanium that is surgically placed in your jaw bone. They are used to replace a single, several, or all of your teeth. Implants are a good tooth replacement option because:
| • |
They can last you a lifetime
|
| • |
Prevent bone loss
|
| • |
Keep adjacent teeth stable
|
| • |
They are the most comfortable and durable tooth replacement option
|
| • |
Enable natural speech
|
| • |
Easy to take care of
|
| • |
Natural appearance |
Get Your Tooth Replacement Procedure Done, Today!
If durability and comfort are your main concerns, consider getting a dental implant.
Missing teeth can negatively affect your oral health and can cause an array of problems. If you are ready to get your teeth replaced, schedule an appointment with us at Portland City Dental or by calling us at (503) 256-7917 to get a set of teeth that looks and feels natural.
Tooth loss is a common dental issue that can have significant effects on both oral health and overall well-being. Tooth loss is a prevalent issue that affects millions of people worldwide, regardless of age. It can result from various causes such as dental decay, periodontal disease, trauma, or congenital absence of teeth. Understanding the consequences of tooth loss and the subsequent jawbone deterioration is essential for comprehending the overall impact on an individual's oral and general health.
Consequences of Tooth Loss
Losing a tooth can have far-reaching implications, beyond just the immediate gap in your smile. Missing teeth can make it challenging to chew food properly, leading to dietary restrictions and poor nutrition. This can affect overall health and well-being.
Teeth also play a crucial role in articulation. Tooth loss, especially of the front teeth, can cause speech difficulties, including lisps and mispronunciations.
Adjacent teeth may shift into the gap left by a missing tooth, leading to misalignment and bite issues. This can further complicate oral hygiene and increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
The jawbone requires stimulation from tooth roots to maintain its density. Without this stimulation, the bone begins to deteriorate, leading to a sunken facial appearance and other complications.
Missing teeth can affect self-confidence and self-esteem, making individuals self-conscious about their appearance and less likely to engage in social activities.
Jawbone Deterioration After Losing Teeth
One of the most significant consequences of tooth loss is jawbone deterioration. The jawbone relies on the pressure and stimulation from chewing and biting to maintain its strength and density. When a tooth is lost, the lack of stimulation leads to a process called resorption, where the bone is gradually broken down and absorbed by the body.
Within the first year after losing a tooth, the jawbone can lose up to 25% of its width. Over time, this can result in significant bone loss, affecting the stability of remaining teeth and the overall structure of the jaw. As the jawbone deteriorates, it can cause changes in facial structure, leading to a sunken and aged appearance. This can affect the alignment of the lips and cheeks, further altering one's appearance.
The loss of teeth can create an environment conducive to the development of additional dental problems. The gaps left by missing teeth can become sites for plaque accumulation, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease in the remaining teeth. Furthermore, misaligned teeth are often harder to clean effectively, compounding the risk of oral health issues.
Teeth are held in place by the surrounding teeth. When one or more teeth are lost, the adjacent teeth can begin to shift into the empty spaces. This shifting can lead to misalignment, crowding, or gaps between the remaining teeth. Such changes not only affect the appearance of the smile but can also create bite issues (malocclusion), making it difficult to chew properly and potentially leading to further dental problems.
Bone loss can make it challenging to fit dentures properly, leading to discomfort and instability. For dental implants, sufficient bone density is crucial for successful placement and integration.
Saying Goodbye to Gaps: Tooth Loss Explained
Tooth loss can occur for various reasons, each with its underlying causes and preventive measures. Understanding these can help in mitigating the risk of losing teeth.
| • |
Severe tooth decay can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene, and a balanced diet can help prevent cavities and decay.
|
| • |
Periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. Maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking timely dental care can prevent and manage gum disease.
|
| • |
Accidents or injuries can result in tooth loss. Wearing mouthguards during sports and taking precautions to avoid facial injuries can help protect teeth from trauma.
|
| • |
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and osteoporosis, can increase the risk of tooth loss. Managing these conditions with the help of healthcare professionals can mitigate their impact on oral health. |
An Empty Smile: The Impact of Missing Teeth
The impact of missing teeth extends beyond the physical consequences, affecting emotional and psychological well-being. The inability to chew properly can limit food choices and affect nutrition. This can lead to weight loss, digestive issues, and overall health decline.
Tooth loss can significantly impact the quality of life, making daily activities such as eating, speaking, and smiling more challenging and less enjoyable. Missing teeth can lead to embarrassment and anxiety about one s appearance. This can affect social interactions and lead to feelings of isolation.
Preventing Jawbone Deterioration After Tooth Loss
Preventing jawbone deterioration involves both proactive measures to avoid tooth loss and effective treatment options when tooth loss does occur.
| • |
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash can prevent gum disease and tooth decay, reducing the risk of tooth loss.
|
| • |
Regular check-ups and cleanings allow for early detection and treatment of dental issues. Professional care can prevent small problems from becoming severe.
|
| • |
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and vitamin D, supports bone health. Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption also promotes better oral health.
|
| • |
When tooth loss does occur, dental implants are an effective solution to prevent jawbone deterioration. Implants mimic natural tooth roots, providing the necessary stimulation to maintain bone density.
|
| • |
In cases where significant bone loss has already occurred, bone grafting can help restore bone density. This procedure involves transplanting bone tissue to the affected area, encouraging new bone growth. |
Tooth loss is a serious dental issue with far-reaching consequences for both oral and overall health. Understanding the causes and impacts of tooth loss, particularly on the jawbone, is crucial for prevention and treatment. By maintaining good oral hygiene, seeking regular dental care, and considering advanced treatments like dental implants, individuals can prevent jawbone deterioration and preserve their smiles. The emotional, functional, and aesthetic benefits of addressing tooth loss highlight the importance of proactive dental care and the value of modern restorative solutions.
Our skilled team here at Portland City Dental has a variety of treatments for missing teeth. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our office at (503) 256-7917. |
