Tooth loss is a big enough concern that, for many patients, it’s the worst thing that can happen to their dental health. Fortunately, with the exception of teeth that have to be extracted (such as impacted wisdom teeth), most others cases of tooth loss can often be prevented. The key is to understand how tooth loss most often occurs and what your greatest risks are, then work with your dentist to develop an ongoing dental health plan to consistently protect your smile from them.
How It Happens
The most frequent cause of tooth loss is severe gum disease. The condition systematically erodes your gums and jawbone structure until they’re too weak to support all of your teeth. Other causes include extreme tooth decay or extensive damage to the tooth’s crown and/or root, which can force you to have to extract the tooth for the good of the rest of your oral health.
What Happens Next?
Once a tooth is lost, the loss can be obvious, especially if the tooth was at the front of your smile. Because of this and the fact that your smile is a significant part of your facial appearance, how your smile looks can seem like the biggest concern. However, your periodontal health, jawbone structure, and remaining teeth are all affected by the loss. Therefore, the longer you wait to replace the tooth, the bigger the impact will be to the rest of your oral health.
Prevent It from Happening
Preventing tooth loss means preventing what causes it, which takes consistently sticking to a good hygiene routine at home and visiting your dentist as often as recommended. If gum disease or other dental health condition does develop, then you can still prevent tooth loss by having your dentist address the issue as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment minimizes any damage to your oral structures that gum disease and other complications can cause.
Learn About Preventing or Dealing with Tooth Loss
Understanding the causes of tooth loss can help you protect your smile from things that you might not have realized are connected. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Syosset Dental in Syosset, NY today at 516-433-2211 or 516-921-1678.
