Alpha Dental e-zine July 2010

Replacing your Lost Tooth

Loss of all natural teeth can result in a person's psychological, social, and physical impairment. Some people have difficulties adjusting back to a normal life after losing their natural teeth. This is because even when missing teeth are replaced with well-constructed dentures, there may be some limitations in speech, chewing ability, taste perception, and quality of life.

Therefore, it is important to understand how tooth loss occurs and take steps to prevent it, through education, early diagnosis, and regular dental care.

Q. What causes tooth loss?
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A. The most common causes of tooth loss are dental caries, also known as tooth decay, and periodontal (gum) disease, which affects the gum and bone structure that supports the teeth.

Plaque contains bacteria, which in turn create toxins which irritate the gum and result in a breakdown of the attachment of gum tissues to teeth. The accumulation of plaque and tartar (calculus) at the base of the teeth breeds infection. Inflammation causes a pocket filled with plaque and tartar to develop between the gum and the teeth. If left untreated, the infection and inflammation may start to spread from the gum to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth.
Eventually, loss of support causes the teeth to become loose and fall out.

Q. What other factors for tooth lost?
A. Besides plaque, a number of other factors can increase the risk, severity and speed of development of the condition. Smokers, pregnant women and people who use oral contraceptives are more likely to have periodontal diseases. Poor diet may cause periodontal disease to progress more rapidly. Poorly fitted bridges, badly aligned teeth or defective fillings can all contribute to plaque retention and increase the risk of developing periodontal diseases.

Excessive biting forces on your teeth, such as clenching or grinding, may also accelerate the rate at which supporting bone is lost.

Q. What happens when a tooth is lost?
A. The loss of a tooth affects your health in several ways. The teeth are no longer in alignment and there are uneven contacts between the teeth. The tilting of teeth also creates areas between the teeth where the food debris and bacteria collect. These areas are especially difficult to clean so tooth decay and gum disease often develop in these areas.

Q. What are methods of replacing teeth?
A. Methods of replacing tooth:

Dentures

Dentures are removable artificial teeth. They should be removed after every meal and cleaned. They should also be removed when you go to sleep. Dentures are most commonly used when several teeth need to be replaced.

Normally, after an extraction, one has to wait a few months for the gum and bone to heal before dentures can be made.

In some cases, an immediate denture can be made before the extraction so that it can be worn immediately after the tooth is extracted. Such dentures are temporary and need to be replaced within 6 months. During this period, the denture would need to be adjusted several times to fit the healing gum and bone.

Dentures are the most economical way of replacing lost teeth.

Bridges Alpha Tooth

Bridges are fixed artificial teeth that are rigid and cannot be removed. A bridge can only replace a few teeth and requires good, strong natural teeth on either side of the empty space to support the artificial teeth.

Implants

Implants are the latest technology available to help replace missing teeth. An implant is a device that is inserted directly into the bone at the site of the missing teeth. This requires surgery. After about 4-6 months, when the bone around the implant has healed, artificial teeth can be constructed over the implants.

As implants involve surgery, extra time and new technology and last longer than the previous methods.

Q. How to prevent tooth lost?
A. Good oral hygiene is the best means of prevention this involves thorough tooth brushing and flossing, and regular professional dental cleaning,

Brush your teeth at least twice daily. Use a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and food. Floss once daily to remove plaque and food stuck in the gums and teeth. Also brush your tongue. Replace your toothbrush every three months because germs accumulate and bristles lose efficiency.

Check for gum disease: swelling, tenderness, or bleeding, constant bad breath or bad taste, loose or shifting teeth. Gums should be coral pink, not red in colour.
Eat a nutritious and balanced diet. Avoid gooey, gummy, or hard candy that stays in the mouth longer than other sweets.