While our teeth make some things pretty clear, they’re not always the best communicators. If you’ve suffered something like tooth loss, you want to ensure that the problem that caused it doesn’t reappear. But how can you know exactly what happened?
Richmond restorative dentistry will give you answers about the past and help you look to the future. Our dentists will uncover the root of your past dental problems, and rebuild your smile into something that functions, feels, and looks just as it should. Learn more about reasons for tooth loss below, and fill out this form if you’d like to schedule your own consultation.
Top Causes of Tooth Loss
- Periodontal disease – Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss. As periodontal disease advances, the gums recede and become infected, and teeth lose their supporting structures. If you’ve struggled with periodontal disease, don’t hold back from seeking treatment. There are countless ways to treat your disease and restore your teeth.
- Trauma – If you suffer a blow to your teeth, or place long-term undue pressure on your teeth (as with teeth grinding), you may find a tooth cracked, fractured, or broken. While there are treatment options for restoring these teeth, sometimes they need to be removed entirely so that you can start fresh.
- Advanced decay leading to an abscess – Cavities begin at the outer layer of your teeth (enamel) and work their way inwards. If decay reaches the jaw bone, it will cause an infection and other complications. At this point, the tooth will likely need to be removed (rather than treated with a root canal).
- Heightened risk factors – There are certain factors that make you more likely to experience tooth loss. If you fall into several of these categories, you should be sure to visit the dentist on schedule. Some factors are obvious, but others bear investigating:
- Being male
- Being over the age of 35
- Never receiving dental care
- Poor brushing or lack of brushing
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Whether you’re working to improve your oral health, or hoping to restore a missing tooth, we’re here to help. Get in touch today.
