The Space Between: Common Causes of Tooth Loss
Dr. Andrew Glenn understands all of these concerns, and he has helped patients in and around the greater Lincoln restore the health and appearance of their smiles. Following tooth loss, restorative dentistry options such as dental implants can be very helpful. Before looking at treatments for missing teeth, however, let's consider some common causes of tooth loss.
Losing Teeth Due to Tooth Decay and Tooth Injury
Serious tooth decay and injury to a tooth can result in eventual tooth loss. In these cases, the poor dental hygiene or a severe chip or crack can lead to the tooth falling out.
Losing Teeth Due to Gum Disease
Gum disease is the bacterial infection of the gum tissue. In its early stages, gum disease can lead to swollen gums, bleeding gums, and bad breath. In later stages, gum disease can lead to loose teeth, tooth misalignment, and eventual loss of teeth.
Losing Teeth Due to Root Canal Infection
A root canal infection occurs when the inner soft tissue of a tooth is infected by oral bacteria. This can lead to severe pain and discomfort. When the infected tooth cannot be treated, sometimes the only option left is to extract it.
Losing Teeth Due to Sports Injuries
People in contact sports or combat sports need to be careful. Serious blows to the head can result in the loss of a tooth. This is why it's so important to wear proper protective equipment and mouth guards.
Losing Teeth Due to Auto Accidents
When involved in an auto accident, you can suffer a number of serious injuries. In addition to broken bones and head trauma, dental injuries such as tooth loss are not uncommon.
Losing Teeth Due to Slips and Falls
When you suffer a serious slip or fall, there's a chance that you may lose a tooth or damage a tooth so severely that it will need to be extracted.
Losing Teeth Due to Biting Hard Items
One potential causes of tooth injury is biting a hard or inedible item. This might mean nibbling on your fingernails or accidentally biting into an unpopped popcorn kernel.
Losing Teeth Due to Physical Altercations
If you are involved in a fight or is someone attack you, a blow to the face or head can result in serious tooth injury and the potential loss of a tooth.
Treating Tooth Loss
There are many options out there for treating tooth loss. Common treatments include:
- Dental bridges
- Partial dentures
- Full dentures
Some patients may be good candidates for dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots surgically embedded into the jawbone and gum tissue. The ideal treatment to address your tooth loss can be discussed in greater detail during a consultation at our practice.
Contact Dr. Andrew Glenn
If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth and would like more information about your treatment options, we encourage you to contact our oral surgery and advanced dental care center today. Dr. Andrew Glenn and the team at his practice will help restore the appearance and health of your smile.
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