The Most Common Causes of Missing Teeth
When we are children, the loss of our primary teeth is considered cause for celebration, a rite of passage. The Tooth Fairy comes to reward us for the big event, and we are introduced to an entirely new range of dental services as our adult teeth start to erupt. Our dentists start to emphasize the importance of taking extra special care of these bigger, seemingly stronger teeth because, apparently, they’re the ones that we’re going to have for the rest of our lives. But, hey – we’ll worry about that when we’re grown-ups, right?
Funny how time flies – or not so funny, depending on the shape of your teeth.
When you lose your teeth as an adult, there is no celebration, and the Tooth Fairy wants nothing to do with you. What you do get, thanks to modern restorative dentistry, is the possibility of a second chance. While your body may not provide you with a new set of teeth as it did when you were a child, Drs. Clay and Jeffrey Weisberg of Eastern Virginia Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can restore health, function, and aesthetics to your mouth through implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures, in addition to other treatments. Whatever the causes of missing teeth, our Chesapeake, VA dentists can provide a solution custom-tailored to the needs and goals of each individual patient.
If you are missing one or more of your natural teeth, we encourage you not to delay in seeking treatment. Schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Clay Weisberg or Dr. Jeffrey Weisberg today.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Tooth Loss?
Among adults, the most common causes of tooth loss include:
- Periodontal disease: More commonly known as gum disease, periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss among American adults. Periodontal disease affects approximately 75 percent of the adult population to varying degrees; however, it is in its most advanced stage, periodontitis, that tooth loss becomes a very real possibility. During this stage, the gums actually begin to pull away from the teeth, while the underlying jawbone starts to deteriorate. Teeth become loose, and the risk of tooth loss rises with each day that treatment is not sought.
- Root canal infections: Each of your teeth contains between one and four root canals, chambers in which a soft tissue called dental pulp is housed. This pulp, which comprises vital nutrients, blood vessels, and nerves, is essential to the health of your tooth. If a root canal is breached, whether due to tooth decay or trauma, the pulp can become infected, resulting in pain and the need for root canal therapy. If left untreated, the tooth will eventually require extraction or simply die in the mouth.
- Dental caries and decay: Dental caries is the clinical name for a cavity. In their earliest stages, cavities are relatively simple to treat. However, if left untreated, cavities will spread, and the tooth will become decayed. Eventually, the tooth decay will result in the tooth becoming so structurally compromised that it cannot be salvaged, even if treatment is sought. This is why it is important not to delay treatment.
- Trauma, injury, or disease: Unfortunately, even those who take excellent care of their teeth are not immune to tooth loss due to trauma, injury, or disease.
Learn More about Causes of Missing Teeth
To learn more about the causes of missing teeth, please contact Eastern Virginia Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today.