Tooth Loss Causes

What Causes Tooth Loss?

Losing teeth is a common phenomenon.  Tooth loss can be natural and necessary, especially if you are among the ages of 6 to 12. However, many teenagers and adults reluctantly experience tooth loss due many different causes.  Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman want to take some time to discuss these reasons, and whatever your reason for missing one or multiple teeth, Periodontal Associates in Aurora, CO can find a dental implant solution that is right for you!

CONGENITAL ABSENCE Missing teeth does not always mean teeth have been removed; instead, some people are born without a particular tooth.  A nonexistent tooth at birth is called congenital absence.  The population frequency of this occurring is over 5 % (missing of wisdom teeth not included).  After wisdom teeth, second premolars and permanent upper second (lateral) incisors are the most commonly missing teeth due to congenital absence, and frequently the missing teeth are the permanent teeth.  This will be seen as the child ages and the baby, or primary, tooth falls out without a successor sprouting behind it.  Without a permanent tooth, the baby tooth can function for longer periods of time, but they primarily fall out due to dental disease or lack of root support.  Without a strong support system underlying the tooth, some function can be lost.  At this point, the baby teeth need to be removed.

Replacing a primary tooth with a dental implant is a specialty performed by our doctors: Dr. Ken Versman, Dr. Doug Heller, and Dr. Eric Beckman.  It is important to come to Periodontal Associates for this procedure as the site of a congenitally absent tooth could have a cyst-like structure in the jawbone called a tooth bud.  Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman specialized periodontists and are able to perform treatments in a soft and gentle manner suitable for kids.

 

TRAUMA For most people, primary and secondary teeth are developed normally.  However, often unfortunate events result in trauma that may take aware those teeth.  Trauma can cause the loss of teeth in many different ways.  Teeth can be ‘knocked out’ immediately due to injury from falling or sports.  In other cases and most frequently seen at our Periodontal Associates office in Aurora, teeth can go through a traumatic incident but not need extraction or fall out until months or even years later.  For example, a blow to the mouth can hit the tooth in such a manner that the root is fractured while the tooth is still implanted in the gum.  When the root of a tooth is fractured, infection can develop.  The body will then begin to break down the root surface.  Without a proper root, again the tooth will eventually fall out or would need extraction and implants.

Another form of trauma consists from mechanical movements while eating or sleeping.  Without knowing it, many may find themselves clenching or grinding their teeth, especially while sleeping. These habits, also called bruxing, can lead to cracking or fracturing teeth sever enough to result in extraction.  This is mostly caused by underlying stress.  Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman could diagnose this and help find a way to prevent further damage by use of a mouth guard.

 

DENTAL DISEASE Although Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman see many patients for dental implants after trauma, most patients visit Periodontal Associates due to periodontal (gum) disease.  Gum disease is an infection in the gums and the supporting structure responsible for holding a tooth in place. As gum disease progressed, the space between the gums and teeth increase which can lead to the tooth falling out. If the tooth does not fall out, the surrounding gum line can be so damaged that the tooth must be extracted.  Dental decay can lead to the same consequence.  Decay can lead to significant infection on the bone which affects the root of a tooth. Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman are specialist in periodontics and can offer treatment and prevention for gum disease while also providing dental implants if needed.

No matter the cause of missing teeth, Periodontal Associates can provide you with the best individualized treatment to build a beautiful and long lasting smile. Our Aurora, CO office offers one of the most experienced, caring and dedicated staff members to assist you with your individual needs.  We work closely with your dentist – a key member of our team – to combine our expertise and experience to formulate the best treatment plan for you.  Dr. KenVersman, Dr. Doug Heller, Dr. Eric Beckman keep themselves abreast of the latest advances in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease and the placement of dental implants. Most people, regardless of age, are good candidates for dental implants. So do not hesitate, call our Aurora office today for your FREE DENTAL IMPLANT CONSULTATION at (303) 755-4500.  Also, please visit our website at www.periodontalhealth.com to learn more about Periodontal Associates and what we stand for. If you have any questions you can call us or click here for questions and/or appointment.