Tooth Loss- Causes, Effects, and Treatments
Losing a tooth is not unusual, but before you dismiss it completely, there are some important things that you should know about it. Researchers know very well that there are some consequences of tooth loss – and you want to avoid them if at all possible. Missing teeth create a lot more harm than you might imagine.
Bone Loss
Teeth are needed for the bone that supports it to retain its strength and density. The pressure on the bone from the tooth above it when chewing is what keeps it strong. When a tooth is lost, the bone under it is partially absorbed because the pressure is lost.
The loss of a tooth will result in continual bone deterioration where it used to be. The loss does not stop. With several missing teeth, the lower jawbone will start out being about two inches thick in height, but it can end up being only one-quarter inch thick. The width of the jawbone can decrease as much as 25 percent just in the first year.
Facial Changes
Over time, the loss of the jawbone mass results in changes in the face. The distance between the chin and the nose decreases as the bone loses height. This loss can lead to a pushing forward of the front teeth and the lower face will collapse because of the lack of height. This causes older people to look unhappy. The lips also sag when teeth are missing.
Dietary Changes
As teeth are lost, the diet of that individual may also change. Some foods that are an important part of the diet are often dropped because they may be more difficult to chew, which can affect the health of the individual. In other cases, the same foods may be eaten but overcooked when prepared, leading to a loss of valuable nutrition.
As you lose nutrition, it will affect your overall health, even possibly leading to a number of diseases. The disease may include peptic ulcers, constipation, and hyperacidity in the stomach.
Shifting of Teeth
The teeth that are near the missing tooth may also shift toward the gap. They can rotate or drift and the opposing tooth will likely grow longer – called overeruption. This can change the bite and will likely make it more difficult to chew. It can also cause an incorrect alignment in your teeth, which may lead to temporomandibular joint problems.
Gum Recession
In addition to the jawbone receding, the gums will also recede. They also need constant pressure from chewing in order to retain their height. They will also recede where the tooth was lost.
Causes of Tooth Loss
Although there are several possible causes, the primary reason is a lack of proper oral care. This means not brushing twice a day and flossing. When this is maintained, there will be far fewer cavities and other dental problems.
The severe form of gum disease – periodontitis – is caused by a lack of proper dental hygiene. The bacteria in the mouth that is responsible for causing cavities and gum disease produce acid when they come in contact with sugar.
Periodontitis is currently the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The immune system reacts to the bacteria and acid, and soon becomes an autoimmune response that attacks the gums, the ligaments that support the teeth, and the jawbone.
Recent Changes
In rather recent years, dentists knew that there was only one way to deal with missing teeth. This was to place a bridge between two teeth. Although it looked good and worked, it did not last as long as the dentists hoped. At most, the crown would only last 10.3 years, and one or both teeth that supported it would have a failure rate of 20 percent at the 30-year mark.
Getting Dental Implants
The best option to replace missing teeth is the dental implant. This device has a root that is made of titanium, which is bio-friendly. This means that the jawbone and gums will attach to it as they would to a real tooth. This anchors the implant and gives it stability once it has healed. An implant is unbeatable when it comes to longevity. If the right care is given, which simply includes brushing twice a day and flossing, an implant can last a lifetime.
Dental implants offer several options, which make them the ideal way to replace teeth. They are solid and do not slip like dentures. This lets you eat anything you did before and it is unnecessary to watch what you eat. Implants also look natural. A dental crown is placed on top of the implant and it will look like one of your own teeth.
If you have lost one or more teeth and do not want to face the consequences of tooth loss, you can get tooth replacement from ToothHQ Dental clinic. We can replace your missing teeth with dental implants, denture implants, or with a dental bridge. Our dental offices are located in the Carrollton, TX, Cedar Hill TX, Dallas and Grapevine, TX areas. For a FREE consultation or dental checkup, you can contact our office today at 214-731-0123
