If you lose one or more teeth, you may struggle with oral capabilities, dental health, and smile aesthetics. Older individuals may also face further medical risks in the wake of tooth loss when it comes to cognitive function.
Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association suggests that senior-aged people with missing teeth can experience a greater chance of cognitive impairment. The exact reason for this effect remains undetermined. If you want to address this risk factor for cognitive decline, you should not ignore missing teeth.
Dentists can help you restore your smile after tooth loss with personalized dental solutions. But if you understand why you may lose a tooth in the first place, you can better preserve your dental structure and avoid this issue. Read on to learn more about the causes of tooth loss as well as the treatments that can replace your missing teeth.
What Causes Tooth Loss?
Many factors can cause a tooth to fall out of its socket, including gum disease, an infection of the gum tissue. The infection begins with irritation and inflammation in the gums. But as bacteria spread, you will start to see gum recession and deterioration of the teeth and jawbone. This dental damage can make the tooth seem loose and then fall out.
Gum disease requires treatment from a dentist to eradicate it. The infection will not go away without thorough cleaning to get rid of excess bacterial build-up. It is also easier to treat when diagnosed early. So do not delay telling your dentist about periodontal discomforts or other symptoms.
Damage to a tooth can also lead to the tooth eventually falling out. For instance, advanced tooth decay, which may happen when cavities go untreated, could lead to major deterioration of the tooth’s structure. This can worsen to the point that the tooth may require extraction to preserve the rest of the smile.
You might also lose a tooth due to an accidental blow to the face. A dentist might save a tooth in the wake of this incident. But you will need urgent dental attention for this to happen successfully.
How Can I Replace Missing Teeth?
You can discuss your oral health goals and treatment preferences regarding tooth replacement when you schedule a consultation with your dentist. They will evaluate your oral health to determine the best way to restore your smile in the wake of tooth loss.
You can find highly comprehensive dental restoration through implant dentistry. Dental implants involve the insertion of an anchor into the jaw that will support prosthetic teeth. You can experience long-lasting results and approach oral functions with confidence.
However, you may prefer removable options like dentures, which provide more flexibility for patients as well as affordability. But they cannot prevent issues that may arise within the jaw following tooth loss because they replace teeth only above the gumline. Learn details about which treatment will prove most suitable for your smile by giving your dentist a call.