Dr. Alex Quintner
Did you know that just under half of the US adult population is missing at least one tooth? Tooth loss is unfortunately common, but still most people coming into my office needing a dental implant feel alone and embarrassed. They shouldn’t. You shouldn’t. There are many reasons why tooth loss occurs, and often the best solution for the situation is a dental implant.
Studies have shown that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Gum disease can weaken the tissues supporting the teeth. Over time, the teeth can become loose and fall out. Though most people put the blame of gum disease on poor dental hygiene, there are many health-related factors that can lead to Periodontal Disease (gum disease), including diabetes, high blood pressure, and rheumatoid arthritis. People with great dental habits can still have difficulty controlling their gum disease, and over time they may experience tooth loss. Gum disease also shows a significant tie to smoking, with smokers being twice as likely to suffer from gum disease as their non-smoking counterparts.
Dental trauma is the first thing people think of when talking about tooth loss. Whether it is from a blow from a sports injury or a car accident, or abuse from using teeth to tear or open objects, the results can be the same. Teeth can be cracked, roots can be severed, or teeth can come out completely. Dental trauma can include night grinding, where the patient clenches or grinds his teeth overnight or when under stress. This uncontrolled grinding can put excess pressure on the supportive tissue as well as adding to bone loss. Mouth guards for sports activities and grinding can greatly decrease the chances of tooth loss, but sometimes it isn’t enough.
Often overlooked in teeth loss is when patients suffer from chronic or serious illnesses. These can include autoimmune diseases, cancers, and osteomyelitis. Diseases that affect bones can decrease the stability of the jaws, infections can harm the gums and connective tissues, and general health complications can bring about the loss of teeth.
In most cases, dental implants are recommended when tooth loss occurs. Adding a dental implant in the place of a tooth will prevent shifting of the remaining teeth, which puts the remaining teeth at risk of trauma and future loss. Dental implants are great for single tooth loss and can be used when creating an implant bridge, anchoring bridges or dentures as to not interfere with the remaining healthy teeth. In addition, implants do not get cavities, never decay, and don’t require root canals.
To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling (203) 878-6699. The specialists at Sensitive Care Cosmetic & Family Dentistry proudly serve patients and their families in Milford, Stratford, West Haven, New Haven, and all surrounding communities.