Many people worry about adult tooth loss long before they ever experience it. Some never do, much to their relief, while others might neglect their oral health care out of defeat in the belief that they’re bound to lose teeth anyway. The truth, however, is that tooth loss is not an inherent part of aging, and most people are not bound to experience it. In most cases, it’s the result of compounding oral health concerns that result from inadequate or inconsistent preventive care.
Why do some people lose teeth eventually?
Once you realize that tooth loss isn’t naturally inevitable, you may wonder why it occurs so frequently. There are many different potential reasons for losing teeth, and the specific risks and causes for it differ for everyone. For example, severe gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss, and it can become severe due to factors such as avoiding dental visits or postponing periodontal treatment when it’s recommended. However, other people may lose teeth due to conditions such as extreme tooth decay, severe structural damage, impaction, and more.
How can preserve your teeth better?
The best way for you to prevent tooth loss may also differ from other people’s, due to the unique nature of it. For instance, you may not exhibit any signs of early gum disease (an infection in your gums known as gingivitis), yet still be at a high-risk of losing a tooth that’s decaying or structurally damaged. With help from your dentist, you can pinpoint your specific tooth loss risks, and take appropriate steps to lower or control them. This will also require sticking to a regular schedule of preventive checkup and cleaning appointments, during which your dentist can carefully inspect your teeth, gums, and oral tissues to determine if any oral health concerns have already developed.
What if you’ve already lost a tooth?
If you’ve already lost a tooth, then your biggest risk of losing more teeth may be the empty space within your dental ridge. More specifically, the lost root and the empty space within your jawbone structure can cause a chain reaction that raises your risks of further tooth loss exponentially. For many patients who’ve already experienced tooth loss, the best way to mitigate these risks is to replace the lost tooth root with the help of a biocompatible dental implant post.
Learn more about tooth loss
Tooth loss might not seem like complicated issue, but whether your goal is to prevent it or bounce back from it, it may be more complex than you realize. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Creekside Family Dental Care in Columbia, TN, today at (931) 388–3384.
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