What Are The Most Common Causes Of Tooth Loss?

Causes Of Tooth Loss

Gum Disease. Also known as periodontitis, gum disease is an infection within the gum tissue that can cause damage to the bone that supports the teeth, thus leading to tooth loss. Gum disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene, which may be exacerbated by other health conditions or side effects of medications.

Cavities. These are holes in the teeth caused by bacterial infection leading to tooth decay. Untreated cavities can lead to root canals or dictate the removal of the tooth. Cavities can be caused by poor oral hygiene as well as frequent eating that limits the mouth's ability to wash away food particles, or the regular consumption of sugar, which damages teeth. Drinking water often helps to rinse the mouth of leftover food particles and sugars and can help defend against cavities.

Physical Trauma. Falls, car accidents, high impact sports, or other incidents may cause tooth loss. While many accidents like these are unavoidable, you can reduce your risk of damaging teeth by not using them as a tool (ex: to open bottles) and by wearing a mouthguard whenever you partake in activities that may cause tooth/mouth damage, such as high impact sports.

Health Conditions. Health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis have all been linked to tooth loss. Smoking and poor diet are also closely linked to tooth loss.

What To Do About Tooth Loss

For those who have suffered tooth loss, dentures are a great resource for you to regain your smile. There are denture options available for those who have lost all of their teeth, called full dentures or complete dentures, and there are also denture options for those who have lost some of their teeth, called partial dentures. 

Complete Dentures. This type of denture replaces all of your natural teeth on either the top jaw, bottom jaw, or both. The top jaw denture typically has a section that suctions to the hard palate on the roof of the mouth while the bottom jaw denture rests on the gums. There are two main types of complete dentures:

• Standard Full Dentures. These are the traditional full dentures. They work with the natural movement of the jaw and look natural in the mouth. Standard full dentures are the most economic choice.
• Equilibrated Full Dentures. Also known as balanced or precise dentures, these are more stable and secure than standard full dentures. These dentures are custom fit to the shape of your mouth and align with the natural movement of your jaw while still looking just as natural as the standard full dentures.

Partial Dentures. This type of denture replaces the teeth you have lost but leaves spaces for any remaining teeth and uses them to stay anchored in place. There are two main types of partial dentures:

• Traditional Partial Dentures. These dentures are held in place with a metal clasp and prevent your remaining teeth from shifting. They are an economical option that look just like natural teeth.
• Flexible Partial Dentures. These durable and comfortable dentures don’t use any metal and require minimal preparation while looking like your natural smile.

Get Complete Or Partial Dentures From Future Smiles Denture Clinic

If you have suffered tooth loss, there are many great denture solutions that can help you regain your ability to eat, speak, and smile with ease. The staff at Future Smiles Denture Clinic in Calgary can discuss with you the extent of your tooth loss, what your goals for tooth replacement are, and what options will suit you best. Modern dentures look perfectly natural and are fitted to your mouth and bite for the best, most comfortable result possible. At Future Smiles Denture Clinic in Calgary, we make our dentures in-house so that we can save you money and get your dentures to you quickly. We also offer 1 year of FREE adjustments. If you have suffered the loss of some or all of your teeth, contact either Future Smiles Dental Clinic locations at Coral Springs in the NE or close to Chinook Centre on Macleod in the SW. You can also contact us by calling 1-403-475-0016 or filling out the online contact form to book your FREE consultation.

FAQ

Q: Will I need to get teeth pulled for dentures?
A: This varies depending on whether you are getting a full, or partial set, the shape of your mouth, the health of your gums, and the state of existing teeth remaining. Your Calgary denturist will be able to confirm whether or not you need teeth pulled after a thorough examination of your mouth.

Q: How much do partial dentures cost?
A: We understand that many people are looking for affordable dentures and partial dentures are a great option to fit your budget. The cost will vary, depending on how many teeth are being replaced, but you can expect it to be between $600-$2500. If you are looking for affordable dentures in Calgary, the team at Future Smiles Denture Clinic offers direct billing and financing options. Learn more about affordable denture options here.

Q: Can you eat normally with dentures?
A: Because you are learning to eat with a new set of teeth, you will not eat exactly the same way you did before. The good news is that a properly made and fit complete set of dentures will allow you to enjoy most of the same foods that you did before getting them. It will take some getting used to, but practice makes perfect.