When people come to our Wilmette practice for dental care, they know that they will receive custom treatment that puts their dental health needs first. We are committed to providing state-of-the-art restorative dentistry treatments to address all sorts of dental problems, from tooth decay and gum disease to tooth loss.
There are many reasons why people may be missing teeth. Let’s take a moment to consider some of the most common causes of tooth loss, offering tips for prevention where applicable.
Major Tooth Decay and Dental Erosion
When you have serious cavities or suffer from acidic dental erosion, there is a chance that your teeth may be severely weakened. When this happens, you run a risk of experiencing tooth loss. This may be the result of a tooth breaking, or it may be the result of the tooth coming loose due to a compromised structure.
Periodontal Disease and Gum Recession
Periodontal disease affects more than just your gums. In the advanced stages of the condition, you may experience gum recession, which means the peeling away of the gum tissue from around a tooth. This exposes more of a tooth’s root structure and may lead to loose teeth in the process. In advanced gum disease, teeth may also shift out of place and come loose.
Root Canal Infections
Inside of each tooth is a cluster of soft tissue known as dental pulp. This dental pulp is comprised of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. All are necessary for the initial development of the tooth. When oral bacteria infects this dental pulp, it causes a painful root canal infection. If a tooth cannot be treated in time, tooth extraction may be necessary.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slips and falls are the most common causes of tooth loss. These kinds of accidents can be especially harmful if a person falls from a great height or suffers serious head trauma.
Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents of all kinds can lead to the loss of teeth. This includes car and truck collisions, motorcycle accidents, and bike accidents. Pedestrians who are struck by vehicles are also at risk of tooth loss in addition to other serious injuries.
Contact and Combat Sports
People who participate in contact sports are likely to lose teeth if any heavy blows to the face or head. These kinds of injuries can also occur in non-combat sports that are especially physical, such as basketball and soccer. Wearing a mouth guard, helmet, and proper protective gear is crucial for preventing tooth loss and avoiding serious bodily harm.
Learn More About Treating Tooth Loss
To learn more about your treatments for tooth loss and how we can help you have a healthy and beautiful smile again, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice today. Our team looks forward to your visit and helping you have a smile that looks great and is totally healthy.