Missing teeth can cause severe embarrassment. Not only that, but they can also negatively impact your dental health. Find out if you are at risk for tooth loss.
Tooth loss can happen for a variety of reasons, but whatever the cause, it has serious social, psychological and emotional consequences, which impacts your quality of life and self-esteem. It can also:
- Cause loss of bone in the upper and lower jaw
- Lead to speech difficulties
- Make it hard to follow a balanced and nutritious diet
- Lead to loss of muscle tone and facial changes, making you appear older
Future Smiles Denture Clinic
The good news? At Future Smiles, a leading denture clinic in SW Calgary, we offer a wide range of affordable and quality tooth replacement options including full/partial dentures and denture implants to restore the beauty and function to your smile.
Top Factors That Result in Tooth Loss
Even today, with the advancements in dentures and dental implants, losing teeth isn’t easy. It makes chewing harder and puts you at a risk for more oral health problems.
Here are five common factors that can put you at a higher risk of tooth loss:
1. NOT BRUSHING YOUR TEETH
Not brushing and flossing your teeth is one of the major contributing factors to tooth loss. Prevent gum disease by brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing at least once to keep your gums healthy.
2. BEING A SMOKER
Smokers are much more likely than non-smokers to accumulate calculus, develop deep pockets between the gums and teeth and have periodontal disease, all of which can lead to tooth loss.
3. AGING
Aging is inevitable and, unfortunately, tooth loss is more common in older patients due to weakened gums and teeth. However, good oral health care will help keep your teeth intact, even for a lifetime.
4. BEING DIAGNOSED WITH DIABETES
Patients with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, meaning that they are at a higher risk for gum disease and tooth loss. This is particularly an issue for patients that are not effectively treating their condition.
5. NOT VISITING YOUR DENTIST
Not visiting your dentist regularly is one of the main causes of periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss. While there are many steps you can take at home to avoid gum disease, it is essential to get professional care as well.
Benefits of Dental Implants
While many risks of tooth loss are preventable, there are some (age, gender, heredity) that cannot be avoided. The good news? If you are experiencing tooth loss, denture implants are an innovative, comfortable and natural-looking way to restore your oral health.
What are denture implants?
Today, more and more patients are choosing denture implants over traditional full/partial dentures as a solution for tooth loss. Unlike dentures, denture implants don’t sit on your gum. Rather, they are supported by tooth implants for a more stable, comfortable fit.
What are the benefits of denture implants?
Even though, in the short-term, traditional dentures may be cheaper, investing in a high-quality, implant-supported denture can significantly lower your tooth replacement costs in the long run.
In addition, denture implants have many benefits including the fact that they:
- Feel and function more like your natural teeth
- Work to preserve your remaining jaw bone and maintain your facial structure
- Are easier and more simple to take care of than traditional dentures
- Require no messy adhesives or creams
- Can last for a lifetime, with the proper care
Am I a candidate for denture implants?
An ideal candidate for a denture implant should be in good general health, have healthy gums and enough bone in the jaw to hold the tooth implant.
Factors which could affect your candidacy include:
- Inadequate bone in the area
- Presence of periodontal disease
- Bite complications
- Whether or not you are a smoker
- If you are taking certain medications, such as blood thinners
Before you decide on any tooth replacement options, it’s crucial that you book a consultation at your local denture clinic. Your denturist can assess your medical history, health and tooth loss needs to determine which denture solution is best for you.
