subject: All about Tooth Loss [print this page] All about Tooth Loss All about Tooth Loss
Losing a tooth or two as a child is no big deal. In fact, many kids have even experienced pulling their own lose tooth. Tooth loss among kids is not a problem and is considered normal as they get replaced by permanent teeth.
However, it becomes a problem when an adult lose a tooth. A medical term for being toothless is called Edentulism. It is called partial edentulism when some teeth are lost and complete edentulism when all the teeth are gone.
The functionality of the teeth is very important for us humans. They are necessary for cutting, grinding, and chewing food. It supports the cheeks, lips which provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The teeth along with the tongue and lips are significant for proper pronunciation of words. It also maintains an individual's VDO or Vertical Dimension of Occlusion. This is the distance between the maxilla and the mandible when the opposing teeth are in contact which is very important for facial support.
There can be many causes of tooth loss. An injury or severe physical trauma may result in the loosening of the tooth which could eventually fall off. Diseases could also lead to tooth loss. Dental caries or tooth decays or cavities are bacterial diseases that damage the hard structure of the tooth. These bacteria gradually break down the tooth causing it to have cavities and holes. If tooth loss is inevitable and you want a replacement, immediately consult with a cosmetic dentist in Atlanta or in any other areas.
In developed countries, the primary reason of tooth loss is a severe form of gum disease called periondontitis. Periodontitis is a set of inflammatory disease that attacks the periondontium, the tissues that holds and support the teeth. If this is left untreated, it could result to tooth loosening or worse, tooth loss. If you lost a tooth due to this disease, treatments can be dentures or dental implant. Atlanta dental clinics perform hundreds of this procedure a year.
Tooth replacement is easy and practical with a dental implant. Atlanta oral care practitioners are advocating for the prevention of tooth loss. To prevent this, proper brushing and flossing every day is recommended. Visiting your dentist regularly will also help in detecting early signs of cavities or gum disease. Fluoride therapy can also help in preventing cavities.
