The good thing about tooth loss is that, for many people, it isn’t as inevitable as they may believe. In fact, most people have a good chance of avoiding tooth loss completely by taking consistently good care of their teeth and oral health. However, that doesn’t mean you aren’t at risk for experiencing tooth loss. People can lose teeth for a variety of reasons, and your risk factors for developing such conditions can greatly impact your overall risks of losing one or more teeth.
A progressive case of gum disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the most frequent cause behind adult tooth loss. The disease typically progresses from a seemingly minor case of gingivitis, which is an infection in your gums caused by oral bacteria, into much more severe tissue erosion and damage. This can include the gum tissues surrounding your teeth roots as well as the jawbone structure that supports them, making it increasingly more likely that you’ll lose one or more teeth until you have the condition treated and managed.
A noticeably loose tooth
Whether it’s from the damage caused by periodontal disease, or from another concern that compromises your smile’s supportive structures, a loose tooth is typically a serious sign of trouble. Your teeth should be held firmly in place by your gums, jawbone structure, and periodontal ligaments. If you notice that one or more of them have become loose, then it may mean their foundation has been compromised, and you may be more likely to lose them if the problem is ignored. The good news is that personalized treatment with your oral health specialist may help you address the problem and restore the health and integrity of your smile before you experience tooth loss.
A loss of mass and density in your jawbone
One of the more severe consequences of periodontal disease, and the main reason why it leads to tooth loss, is the damage that the disease causes to the structures of your dental ridge. Over time, the disease erodes these structures, making them weaker and less stable. However, this can also occur if you’ve already experienced tooth loss, as the loss of a tooth’s root can reduce the stimulation in your dental ridge’s bone structure. This results in your jawbone receiving fewer minerals and nutrients, causing it to lose mass and density and increase your risks of losing more teeth in the future.
Learn if you’re at risk of tooth loss
Your specific risks of experiencing tooth loss depend on several different factors, and identifying these risks is important to preserving your smile’s health and integrity. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.