What Are The Causes Of Tooth Loss?
Causes Of Tooth Loss
Tooth loss due to various reasons brings with it aesthetic and functional problems.
Although it is possible to prevent tooth loss with some precautions to be taken in daily life, implant and bridge treatments can help to complete missing teeth in cases where tooth loss occurs.
Reasons Increasing The Risk Of Tooth Loss
No matter how healthy you take care of your teeth, it is considered normal to experience tooth loss due to aging. However, the better you take care of your teeth, the more you can delay these tooth losses. Not performing oral and dental care properly, having wrong eating habits, gum diseases, bone resorption or different diseases you have are some conditions that can cause tooth loss.
The details of these conditions that can cause tooth loss are as follows:
Not Taking Care Of Mouth And Teeth
The more regularly and correctly oral and dental care is performed, the less likely it is to experience tooth loss. Therefore, in order to prevent the formation of bacteria in the mouth, teeth should be brushed twice a day and dental floss should be used. In cases where oral care is not performed regularly, plaque formation begins in the teeth, caries appears and this can cause tooth loss.
Excessive Sugar Consumption
Excessive consumption of foods containing high sugar can cause bacteria and plaque formation in the mouth. As a matter of fact, decay accelerates and tooth enamel starts to be damaged. Especially after consuming starch or foods containing high amounts of sugar, the teeth should be brushed or rinsed with mouthwash.
Gum Diseases
Irritation or inflammation of the gums may cause tooth loss over time. In case of inflammation of the gums or gum diseases, these problems should be diagnosed early and the treatment plan should be made quickly, as the tissues supporting the teeth may be damaged.
Bone Resorption
Weakening of the bone tissues supporting the teeth disrupts the support structure of the teeth, creating gaps between the teeth and pockets at the bottom of the teeth. As a result of loosening and slipping of the teeth, tooth loss occurs.
Accidents and Traumas
Impacts received in sports activities, motor vehicle accidents, consuming extremely hot foods or trying to break hard and crusted foods with teeth can lead to tooth loss. In addition, in such cases, problems such as fracture, cracking or displacement of teeth may also occur.
Various Diseases
Some systemic diseases, especially diabetes, can lead to tooth loss. Thyroid and cancer are also some of the diseases that can cause tooth loss.
Consuming Unhealthy Foods
Eating and drinking habits have a significant impact on dental health. For example, excessively sugary foods that stick to the teeth, acidic drinks, crusted and hard foods can cause deterioration of dental health. In addition, foods with low nutritional value increase the risk of tooth loss.
How To Prevent Tooth Loss?
Although it is not possible to prevent tooth loss after a certain age, some precautions you can take can help you keep your teeth much longer.
Some of these measures are as follows:
- Brush your teeth regularly and with the right method,
- Floss regularly,
- Go to the dentist every 6 months,
- Avoid consuming acidic and sugary foods,
- Pay attention to gum care and tongue cleaning,
- Use protective equipment to protect your teeth during sports or physical activities,
- Strengthen bone health by consuming calcium and vitamin D,
- Eliminate stress-related causes of teeth grinding or clenching,
- Reduce smoking and alcohol consumption.
If you pay attention to all these important points, you will minimise the risk of tooth loss.
How Are Tooth Losses Treated?
Two different methods, bridge and implant, are used in the treatment of tooth loss. Although implant is a more commonly used method, its costs are higher than bridge treatment. The details of bridge and implant treatments used in the treatment of tooth loss are as follows:
Bridge Treatment
Bridge treatment, which is a treatment applied to eliminate both aesthetic and functional problems and to complete missing teeth, is a common method.
The steps followed during bridge treatment are as follows:
- After the examination performed by the dentist, bridge treatment is decided with the consultation of the patient and the dentist,
- The teeth to the right and left of the missing tooth are reduced by filing,
- A detailed measurement of the area is taken and sent to the laboratory to prepare the bridge,
- A temporary bridge is applied to support the preparation of the bridge so that patients can continue to use their teeth functionally,
- When the permanent bridge is prepared, the temporary bridge is removed and placed in the mouth,
- If there are any problems in functions such as biting, chewing or speaking, these are corrected and the operation is finalised.
Bridge treatment is planned individually, taking into account the patient’s general health status, needs, demands and the number of missing teeth.
Implant Treatment
The main reason why implant treatment is preferred more than bridge treatment is that it offers a more permanent solution. The process steps followed in implant treatment are as follows:
- The structure of the jaw bone and its suitability for implant treatment are checked by radiographic imaging of the mouth and jaw structure,
- After the implant treatment, a treatment plan is created,
- On the day of treatment, the patient is placed under local anaesthesia and the jawbone is surgically accessed and the cavity in which the implant will be placed is opened,
- After the implant is placed, sutures are applied and the healing process, also called osseointegration, begins,
- The healing process usually takes several months, during which time the implant and the jawbone fuse together; in some cases, the healing process may take longer,
- During the healing process, temporary prosthesis application can be made for patients to fulfil daily functions,
Although implant treatment is a costly procedure compared to bridge treatment, it can be used for a much longer life.
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