Missing Teeth?

Having missing teeth is not a fun situation to be in, it can affect your confidence, the way you chew your food, and even the way you pronounce certain words. Not only this, untreated missing teeth, especially ones that have not been seen by your local dentist, can lead to a chain reaction of losing the surrounding teeth if the problem that caused the first tooth to fall out is not treated properly. While child losing milk teeth is common, for an adult, losing a tooth or teeth, can really affect a patient’s smile, both aesthically and physically

Causes and Prevention of Missing Teeth

Losing teeth doesn’t happen overnight (except perhaps in cases of trauma) usually there is an underlying problem such as tooth decay or gum disease (see gum disease/tooth decay .)

tooth decay is the most common cause of lost teeth next to gum disease (Periodontitis and gingivitis). In tooth decay, the tooth begins to rot and left long enough, without drilling or filling, the tooth will die. In gum disease, plaque and tartar build up and bacteria runs riot in the gums, weakening them and thus loosening teeth. It is easily avoidable by taking good care of your teeth and maintaining a good oral hygiene routine that involves brushing for at least two minutes with toothpaste, followed by flossing and mouthwash. It is also important to keep regular check-ups with your local dentist so that they can keep tabs on the condition of your teeth and gums and alert you to any negative changes. (Trauma removed teeth have a small chance of being successfully re-implanted if you visit an emergency dentist with the tooth as soon as possible.)

Replacing missing teeth

If prevention doesn’t work, or it is already too late for you, then don’t despair, as there are plenty of ways to replace a missing tooth. There are partial dentures which can be removed to be cleaned. When attached, they provide realistic looking false teeth that replace those lost. They can replace rows, or individual teeth. Full dentures can be used when there are no more teeth left to lose. Dental bridges are better for plugging numerous gaps in a smile as the series of crown are permanently attached to your own natural teeth. Dental implants are an even better replacement, as they are surgically attached permanently into the gum and jaw bone, just like a real tooth and can be treated and cared for as such.

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