The Most Common Causes of Tooth Loss - And How to Avoid Them
Restorative dentistry has come a long way through the years. Whereas the point of restorative dentistry 40 or 50 years ago would have been exclusively to return function and health to structurally damaged teeth, modern restorative dentistry is able to accomplish this and give patients aesthetically pleasing, natural-looking smiles, as well. Patients with damaged or missing teeth have never had better options at their disposal in terms of restoring function, health, and beauty to their smiles.
However, it remains true that the best treatment for damaged teeth is prevention. As strong and cosmetically appealing as modern dental restorations may be, there is no substitute for a healthy, intact natural tooth. And the best way to ensure the prolonged health of your natural teeth, whether you currently have all of them or want to preserve those that you have left, is to visit the dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and thorough oral exams as recommended by the American Dental Association.
At Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney, Dr. John M. Pinnix and Dr. George A. Betancourt can restore your mouth to its optimal state and then provide you with the care you need to maintain excellent oral health for a lifetime. They will also provide you with the education you need in order to protect your healthy smile, including education about the causes of tooth loss, at their Charlotte, NC dental practice. The more you know about the causes of tooth loss, the more likely you will be to avoid them.
Whether you have all of your natural teeth or you are missing one, several, or all of them, we encourage you to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Pinnix or Dr. Betancourt at Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney today. Whatever the state of your oral health, we can help you achieve the smile you desire.
What Are the Most Common Reasons That People Lose Their Natural Teeth?
Below are the three most common reasons that adults lose their natural teeth. Unfortunately, even those adults who take exceptionally good care of their teeth may lose a tooth due to injury, trauma, or disease. However, the following reasons are generally within the control of people:
- Periodontal disease: Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is the most common cause of tooth loss among adults - not surprising since it is also the most common disease in general among adults. Periodontal disease is particularly devastating in the more advanced of its two forms, periodontitis. In this form, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can take refuge, while the jaw bone that underlies and provides support to the teeth begins to degrade. If left untreated, periodontitis will invariably lead to tooth loss.
- Root canal infections: Each of your teeth contains up to four chambers called root canals that house a substance called dental pulp. This pulp is fundamental to the health and nutrition of the tooth. When the pulp is exposed to bacteria due to a structural compromise in the tooth, however, it can become infected, which leads to tooth pain and the eventual death of the tooth. The tooth can be salvaged if the pulp is surgically removed and the tooth is sealed off with a crown in a timely fashion. If this surgical procedure is not performed soon after the root canal is breached, however, the tooth will have to be extracted or it will eventually die in the mouth.
- Cavities: Many root canal infections begin with cavities. If caught in their earliest stages, cavities can be treated before they cause extensive damage or pain. When cavities are left untreated, however, teeth will eventually need to be extracted, or they will die.
Learn More about the Causes of Tooth Loss
If you would like to learn more about the causes of tooth loss and how they can be avoided, please contact Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney today.
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