What Causes Adult Tooth Loss?

Unfortunately, losing teeth in adulthood is not uncommon. There are several reasons why you might lose one or more teeth in Oshawa, and several options for replacing them.

Why Can Adults Lose Teeth?

Common causes of tooth loss can include:

• Gum disease. This is also called periodontal disease in Whitby is the main reason for tooth loss in adults. Untreated gum disease can destroy the gum and bone surrounding your teeth, and without the support, teeth can become loose.
• Severe tooth decay. A large cavity can destroy teeth, leaving insufficient structure to restore.
• Dental abscess. This is an infection that spreads beyond the tooth, and the tooth must be removed to allow the infection to drain.
• Dental trauma. Damage can occur due to an accident or if you take a blow to the mouth during sports. It can also occur if you clench and grind(bruxism) during sleep.
• Reinfected tooth after root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is extremely effective in treating severe tooth infections, but it can sometimes fail, sometimes years later. At this point, re-treating the tooth may not provide a long-lasting solution, and it could be better to remove the tooth.

At Margolian Dentistry, we always make every effort to save adult natural teeth. You can rest assured that if we suggest removing a tooth, it is only after carefully considering all other options.

The Effect of Tooth Loss on Everyday Life

Losing teeth can significantly affect everyday life. You may find you avoid certain foods because they are more difficult or impossible to eat comfortably. It might become possible to enunciate certain sounds, and of course, there is the emotional impact of losing teeth.

Over time, tooth loss can affect your remaining teeth, destabilizing them and shifting them out of place, which can, in turn, cause bite problems or changes in facial appearance.

Ideally, it’s best to replace missing teeth soon after they are removed. Before tooth extraction in Ajax, we can discuss all available options to help you choose the best option for your needs.

Tooth replacement options can include:

• Removable dentures that can restore a complete arch or one or more missing teeth in an arch.
• Dental bridges that are supported by your natural teeth. The teeth on either side of the gap are reshaped and crowned, and a replacement tooth called a pontic is attached between them.
• Dental implants are the most modern way to replace missing teeth, and have a small post made from titanium or zirconia (ceramic) that is surgically inserted into your jawbone where it acts like a natural tooth root. Treatment is versatile and can be used to restore single, multiple or complete arches of teeth. We can even use dental implants to hold a denture firmly in place.

Can I Prevent Tooth Loss?

Some cases of tooth loss, such as those caused by accidents, are unavoidable. However, good preventive dentistry can often significantly reduce the risk of tooth loss.

Our dentists can help devise a good preventive dentistry routine to protect and preserve your natural teeth and gums. Over time, this can be a more cost-effective strategy and can help prevent the heartache of tooth loss.

A good routine includes:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day using good-quality toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush.
• Flossing daily to clean your teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach.
• Regular dental checkups so we can monitor your oral health carefully. The sooner we can detect small problems, the faster and more cost-effective the treatment, and the lower the risk of tooth loss.
• Hygiene appointments every six months or as often as recommended allow us to clean your teeth professionally. This removes plaque and tartar that can otherwise increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
• A custom-made mouthguard can protect your teeth during sports, or if you have bruxism, a nocturnal habit where you clench and grind your teeth.