Tooth loss is extremely common, with about 178 million Americans missing at least one tooth. The issue worsens with age, and around 30% of people between 65 and 74 years old don’t have natural teeth.
Although teeth can be lost due to trauma and other causes, they are often lost due to untreated decay. At Century City Smiles & Orthodontics, our goal is to help you have outstanding oral health. However, some patients who come in to see Dr. Shawn Saidian have lost a tooth or have a tooth so decayed that he can’t save it. In those cases, Dr. Saidian recommends replacing the tooth.
A small cavity may not seem like a big deal, but it can certainly become a serious problem over time. A cavity allows bacteria to enter your tooth's soft, vulnerable part. You can develop an infection in the root of your tooth. Sometimes, a root canal can save your tooth in this situation, but sometimes, the decay is too advanced.
Another common cause of tooth loss is gum disease. Bacteria collects along the gum line, eventually breaking the seal between the gum and the teeth. Over time, the gums become increasingly inflamed, and the tooth begins to loosen. Eventually, the tooth can fall out.
Speaking or chewing some foods may be more challenging when you lose a tooth. You may also have more difficulty cleaning your remaining teeth properly, which can lead to an even greater risk of decay and gum disease.
Because of the gap left by the missing teeth, your other teeth can also shift. As they shift, your teeth may look more crooked, and cleaning them well may become difficult or impossible.
The least obvious danger of missing teeth is that your jawbone can actually deteriorate. The roots of your teeth reach all the way to your jawbone, and each time you bite down, the tooth roots stimulate your jawbone and increase blood flow. Your blood carries nutrients to all your body's cells, including those in your jawbone.
Without that regular stimulation, your jawbone doesn’t get the nourishment it needs; over time, it can weaken. It can even degrade to the point that the shape of your face changes.
Depending on your situation, you may choose to replace a missing tooth with a device called a bridge, which “bridges” the gap where your tooth used to be. You may also choose a dental implant. Other replacement options, such as dentures, could be appropriate as well.
Dentists consider dental implants the gold standard tooth replacement because they solve all of the problems of a missing tooth—they fill the gap so you don’t have to worry about your teeth shifting, they allow you to chew and speak normally, and most importantly, they provide a prosthetic tooth root so that your jaw bone gets the stimulation it needs to stay healthy.
If you have a missing tooth, schedule an appointment at Century City Smiles & Orthodontics. Your situation is unique, and Dr. Saidian is happy to discuss your options with you in the context of your individual circumstances.
