Tooth loss can strike at any time – but there are certain factors that influence your likelihood of losing a permanent tooth. By making yourself aware of these risks, you can help preserve your smile for years to come. With that said, if you’ve already lost a tooth, there’s no reason to panic. Embrace your oral health moving forward, and find restorative care with Dr. Barton.
Calhoun dental implants replace entire missing teeth to habilitate your grin. By reaching into the jaw bone, implants form strong connections with natural tissues and become a true part of your mouth. If you’d like to learn more, contact us today!
Why Did I Lose a Tooth?
There’s no way to know the answer until you have met with a restorative dentist. But there are universal problems that influence your likelihood of tooth loss.
The most common cause of tooth loss is periodontal disease. Inflammation and infection of the gum line causes periodontal tissues to recede and weaken, with your teeth losing their source of support. This leads to teeth becoming loose, and potentially falling out.
Advanced tooth decay can also necessitate tooth extraction. When a cavity reaches the inner layers of your teeth, it causes an infection. While this can be treated with a root canal, if it has progressed to the jaw bone, the entire tooth may need to be removed.
Trauma also plays a role in tooth loss – if you suffer a blow to the mouth, a tooth could become cracked, fractures, or even broken. While treatment options like porcelain crowns can help you retain these teeth, extraction may be necessary for restoration.
Additionally, there are individual risk factors that lead to a higher chance of tooth loss. Some of these are common sense, but it’s important to educate yourself on them all to avoid problems. You’re more likely to lose a tooth if you are:
- Male
- Over 35
- Not brushing your teeth
- Not receiving regular dental exams
- Diabetic
- Arthritic
- A smoker
If you fit into several of those categories, we recommend scheduling dental exams right on time. Ready for your next appointment? Set it up online, or call us at (706) 226-3404.
