What Causes A Missing Tooth?

When we lose a tooth, this could lead to major oral health issues, not to mention negative impacts on the beauty and function of your smile. But what causes missing teeth to develop in our smiles? In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist will discuss the causes of missing teeth, and how we can help restore your smile with implant dentistry.

Injury

Sometimes, when a tooth is severely damaged or knocked out, we can repair it with a restoration or even restore its place in your smile. However, in some cases the damage is too severe and the tooth cannot be replaced, leaving behind a gap in your smile. Unless filled, this gap could increase the risk of issues like misalignment and even jaw joint strain that could be responsible for TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). Along with injury, untreated tooth decay could grow so severe a tooth becomes infected. Unless treated with endodontic care, an infection could cause a tooth to fall or require extraction to prevent the spread of infection to other teeth!

Periodontal Disease

Did you know that the advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis, is the number one cause of tooth loss? At this stage, the disease attacks and destroys the tissues that connect your gums and teeth. They then become loose and fall out, and people may experience soreness and redness in the gums, as well as recession and bleeding.

Loss of Jawbone Mass and Density

When we lose one or more teeth, the body stops sending calcium and phosphorus to the bone tissue around the missing teeth. Without these nutrients, the bone tissue breaks down and the smile could prevent further tooth loss and the suffer could develop an aged appearance. However, dental implants help stop the loss of mass and density in the jawbone.

The Implant Difference

Dental implants are screw-like structures made from biocompatible titanium. We insert them into the jaw, where they act as new tooth roots. They bond with the bone tissue and the body sees them as natural tooth roots, so the growth of jawbone tissue is stimulated and you halt the rate of tooth loss. If you have any questions about preventing tooth loss, or about addressing the gaps in your smile with implant dentistry, then contact our team today. We want to help our patients enjoy whole, healthy smiles!

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MISSING TEETH?

Our team wants to protect your natural teeth, and provide a long-lasting and durable solution for the gaps already present in your smile. To learn more about treating one or more missing teeth, then call James Stewart, DDS, dental implant office in Livonia, MI, at (734) 425-4400. We also serve the residents of Farmington, Plymouth, Dearborn Heights, and all surrounding communities.