314-762-6784
It’s important to take a holistic view of your health. Even a small issue with your smile health can set off a domino effect on your overall health. An infection in your tooth can spread to your bloodstream and cause serious health concerns. At St. Louis County Dental, our dentists understand how tooth loss can affect your overall health, which is why we offer dental implants as a permanent solution to tooth loss.
What Causes Tooth Loss?
Most people lose their teeth as a result of bad habits: neglecting to brush, an unhealthy diet, smoking or alcohol abuse, or refusing to see the dentist. Other times it’s accidental: old age, a consequence of disease, or from physical impact trauma to the face.
The most common causes of tooth loss are age and disease; both of which can be monitored by a dentist. Each time you visit our St. Louis, MO office, your dental hygienist will keep track of any changes in your teeth and oral health, no matter how small they may seem. That way, we can administer treatment early to avoid more serious consequences. However, when patients avoid the dentist, their teeth can unknowingly deteriorate and cause more issues that may require more expensive treatments.
By addressing tooth loss as soon as it occurs, patients can increase their chances of keeping the rest of their smile stable. Investing in dental implants can help avoid further tooth loss, reduce exposure to disease, and limit changes in facial structure.
Increased Risks With Tooth Loss
Each part of your body works together like a well-oiled machine. As such, even minor changes in your oral health can subtly influence other parts of your body.
Periodontal Disease: This is a more serious form of gum disease, caused by bacteria that fester in the gums and in between teeth. Some symptoms include bleeding gums and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. When you lose a tooth, it leaves space for this disease to take hold. In addition, it can also spread along the gums and affect other teeth.
Cardiovascular Disease: Researchers have recognized a potential link between gum disease bacteria and its effects on the heart and arteries. Those who lost teeth due to gum disease were also found to be at higher risk for heart attack and strokes.
Pregnancy Risks: While research is currently ongoing, there has been a long-held belief that periodontal disease bacteria could lead to premature birth in pregnant women. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may lead to a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. Since a majority of tooth loss is caused by periodontal disease, losing teeth is considered a high risk for pregnant patients.
Chronic Kidney Disease: While the link is currently being researched, there is a belief that tooth loss and periodontal disease can also be a cause of kidney disease.
The Psychological Effect of Missing Teeth
Dentists have long known the emotional side effects of tooth loss, and also cited it as a partial reason why patients didn’t seek treatment. Many patients with missing teeth either don’t want or don’t know about the tooth replacement treatments available to them. That’s why we specialize in dental implants to complete your smile and restore your oral health.
A dental implant can prevent your neighboring teeth from shifting, and reduce your risk of jawbone deterioration or infection. But that’s not all: we’ve also seen firsthand the emotional benefits that having a complete smile can do for patients. We want all our patients to look and feel their best, and strive to make sure that our dental implants are high-quality and long-lasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults?
Advanced gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Fortunately, you can help prevent gum-related tooth loss by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. Tooth loss can also result from severe decay, which is best prevented through excellent oral hygiene.
It’s crucial to schedule biannual exams and cleanings with Dr. Brace so we can ensure your teeth and gums are in excellent condition. During these visits, we’ll also notify you of any concerns so we can perform the necessary treatments before they require more invasive procedures.
How do you treat tooth loss?
There are a variety of options available for treating tooth loss, including dentures and dental bridges. However, no other restorations compare to the natural look and feel of dental implants. Dental implants are a stable and durable tooth replacement option that won’t move around or slip when you’re talking. Best of all, they can last a lifetime with proper care.
Dental implants are placed directly into your jawbone for unmatched stability and longevity. Once the process is complete, your implants will look and feel just like your natural teeth. If you’re missing more than one tooth, we also offer implant-supported bridges and dentures.
For more information on our dental implant solutions, contact our St. Louis office by calling 314-762-6784 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Brace.
Do I have to replace a missing tooth?
While replacing a missing tooth isn’t entirely necessary, it’s definitely a good idea, even if it’s a back molar that no one can see. Missing a tooth, even just one, can cause permanent damage to your entire mouth. Dental implants can help prevent this while restoring your smile.
How can I prevent tooth loss?
Taking care of your oral health by brushing and flossing daily and keeping up with your regular dental cleanings is the best thing you can do to prevent tooth loss. Wearing a mouthguard during sports, using a mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding at night, and remembering that teeth are not tools will also help. However, accidents can still happen, and you may be genetically prone to losing your teeth.
Information Is Power for Your Dental Implant Journey
At St. Louis County Dental, we strongly believe that an informed patient is a more satisfied patient. If you have questions about your tooth loss, or want to discuss the effects tooth loss has had on you, don’t hesitate to call our St. Louis office at 314-762-6784 or fill out our online form to set up an appointment. We also serve patients in Festus, Edwardsville, and Washington, MO.