When you lose teeth it doesn’t just affect your smile, but also your health. Your dentist at Crestwood KY Individualized Dentistry will review your treatment options, including dental bridges, implants and dentures. There are three main causes of missing teeth in Crestwood KY permanent teeth. Depending on severity, you and your dentist will choose the best option for your case.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease (per-eo-don-TIE-tis) is a bacterial infection of the gums and tissue that surrounds your teeth. It can destroy the bone that holds your teeth in place and lead to tooth loss if not treated early and consistently. Signs of gum disease include swollen, tender or reddish or purplish gums; pain when chewing or brushing; bad breath; and pus along the gum line.
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease and is reversible with adequate oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. Smoking and underlying medical conditions like diabetes contribute to gingivitis and exacerbate its progression to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is divided into 4 stages based on clinical and histological tissue changes. Fig. 1 shows an enlarged portion of a panoramic X-ray film showing severe bone loss in the coronal third of tooth No. 21, which is a typical finding in advanced periodontitis. Staging and grading allow dentists to identify the severity of the disease, predict its rate of progression, and develop appropriate treatment plans for patients.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is damage to teeth caused by bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria produce acids that attack the tooth enamel, causing it to break down and form holes, called cavities. Tooth decay affects people of all ages and can be prevented with regular dental visits, proper oral hygiene and a balanced diet.
Early stages of tooth decay usually cause no symptoms. As the decay progresses, the enamel breaks down and bacteria move deeper into the tooth. At this stage, the bacteria reach the dentin, which is softer than the enamel and more sensitive to plaque acid. The damaged pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels, swells, resulting in toothache. The dentin may also darken, becoming grey or black and smelling or tasting bad.
In the early stages of tooth decay, a dentist can stop or reverse the damage by applying fluoride to the tooth. If the damage is more advanced, a dentist will use a filling to repair the hole.
