The Negative Effects of Tooth Loss

If you lose a tooth, you will likely develop a myriad of unanticipated problems. At River Forest Dental Studio in River Forest, IL, your dentists, Dr. Gina Piccioni and Dr. John Hartmann, wish to educate patients about missing teeth, and offer them solutions.

The results of tooth loss

Most of us have a full set of teeth as adults—32 in all. Even though we have so many, none are disposable. Tooth avulsion, decay, periodontal disease, tobacco usage, and genetic factors may cause smile gaps. Your dentists may elect to replace them with bridgework, partial/full dentures, or dental implant.

Why bother to replace a tooth or two? Well, the oral landscape changes dramatically when you lose any number of teeth. Remaining teeth drift out of alignment and weaken in strength. Your speech and digestion change, and your jaw bone loses both size and density.

What you can do about tooth loss

First of all, try to prevent it with:

  • A low-carbohydrate diet
  • Daily flossing and twice-daily brushing to remove sticky plaque and harmful oral bacteria
  • Six-month cleanings and check-ups with Dr. Piccioni or Dr. Hartmann
  • A protective mouthguard when you play sports

Always report any dental changes right away, and never ignore any kind of pain in your mouth.

Also, remember that tooth loss sometimes happens. A cavity goes too deep. A crown falls out, or a tooth breaks below the gum line. The interior pulp becomes infected. If you face extractions, plan tooth replacement right away with your dentist at River Forest Dental Studio.

If you qualify, dental implants definitely are your best choice. They counter bone loss in the jaw because they are fashioned from biocompatible titanium. The natural metal of the dental implant attracts bone cells through something called osseointegration.
 

Keep your teeth and be healthy

Partner with your friends at River Forest Dental Studio. Dr. Gina Piccioni and Dr. John Hartmann want all their patients to avoid the negative consequences of tooth loss. Call our River Forest office for your routine visit or whenever you have an oral health need: (708) 366-6760.