If you’re worried about losing teeth in the future, then you’ll be glad to know that, contrary to popular belief, tooth loss is highly preventable. However, the risks for it can vary greatly, and you may be at a higher risk for some things than others. At our Southlake, TX, dental office, helping you identify and reduce your risks for tooth loss is an important part of the routine care we provide. For example, if you have a dental disease, or are at a high risk of developing one, then we can diagnose and treat it before it causes enough damage to lead to tooth loss.
Do you have gum disease?
If you have gum disease, then your risks for tooth loss are significant for as long as it’s left untreated. In fact, severe gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss, and preventing or treating it is one of the most important aspects of preventing tooth loss. If you see signs of gum disease, such as bleeding and swollen gums, then you shouldn’t hesitate to visit your dentist. Or, if your dentist recognizes the early signs during your routine checkup appointment, then you should seek treatment for it as soon as possible.
Do you have an untreated cavity?
While gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, tooth decay (the cause of cavities) is the most common chronic dental health condition. When it’s allowed to progress enough, it can also lead to the loss of a tooth or the need for its extraction due to the invasive nature of the tooth infection. If you have a cavity, then treating it as soon as possible is your best option for saving the tooth. For example, if detected in its mild or moderate stage, the cavity can likely be treated conservatively with a tooth-colored filling.
Have you already lost teeth?
Losing a tooth doesn’t mean that your dental troubles are over. In fact, its loss means that your smile may continue to experience increasingly more severe troubles, including heightened risks of losing more teeth. The best way to address this risk is to replace the lost tooth as soon as possible, preferably with a dental implant. An implant post can replace your lost tooth root to restore the stimulation it provided your jawbone. This helps keep your jawbone healthy and your risks of losing more teeth low.
Reduce your risks of tooth loss
There are several different things that could increase your risks of tooth loss, and identifying them is the first step to reducing those risks. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Gregory Wright, DDS in Southlake, TX today at (817) 481-7999. We also proudly serve patients who live in Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities.
