If you have ever experienced tooth loss as an adult, you know how life-changing it can be. According to an NCBI study, 45% of people who lost a tooth had difficulty adjusting to the loss. They felt less confident, were more inhibited in daily activities, and were unable to accept facial changes. Understanding the causes of tooth loss is the best way to prevent it. Some of the most common reasons for tooth loss are:
No matter what the reason, tooth loss can impact your overall health and well being. At The Center for Oral Surgery of Las Vegas, our goal is to help you achieve the best oral health.
Adults should brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. These daily habits stop plaque buildup on and between teeth. Plaque can cause cavities to form as bacteria eat away at the tooth’s enamel. It is the primary cause of gum disease. Both tooth decay and gum disease weaken the tissues supporting your teeth, which can lead to tooth loss.
The most common cause of tooth loss among adults is periodontal or gum disease. It is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. The bacteria in the mouth, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing can help remove plague; but if it is not removed, it can harden and form “tartar” that brushing cannot remove. Only a professional cleaning can remove tartar. If not removed, plaque buildup can cause inflamed, swollen or bleeding gums, leading to periodontal disease.
In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Symptoms of gum disease include:
Controlling the infection is the primary goal of all periodontal treatments, which may include tooth extractions. If you are facing a tooth extraction, contact the Center for Oral Surgery of Las Vegas, where making your dental experience as favorable as possible is the focus.
Accidents happen. We can suffer tooth loss from a car accident, a severe fall, or a sports injury. It doesn’t matter how it happened; the result is missing teeth. When accidents happen, consult Dr. Carlos Letelier, a Las Vegas oral surgeon certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Letelier and his staff strive to deliver an individualized treatment plan, including dental implants.
Many of us clench or grind our teeth at some point – often without knowing we are doing it. While occasional grinding may not be harmful, regular teeth grinding can put a strain on surrounding tissue, gums or bone. Without the supporting bone, our teeth can loosen, resulting in tooth loss. At the Center for Oral Surgery in Las Vegas, CT scans are used to provide the best image of soft tissue, bone, muscle and blood vessels to ensure a comprehensive treatment plan.
Smoking weakens your body’s immune system, which makes it harder to fight gum disease and harder for your gums to heal. If you smoke,
The use of any form of tobacco raises your risk for gum disease. If you are suffering from a tooth loss or are facing the possibility, consider our Las Vegas Teeth in a Day procedure. This procedure known as All on 4 Dental Implants can replace an entire set of teeth with dental implants in a single day.
Whether you are looking to replace a lost tooth or want to improve your smile, contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you improve your smile!