Park Ridge Dentists on Gum Disease—The Leading Cause of Tooth Loss

As implant dentists in Park Ridge, Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas have extensive experience restoring the smiles of patients who’ve lost one, several, or all of their teeth. Advanced dentistry allows them to replace even the roots of your lost teeth with dental implants to help preserve your oral health from the destruction that typically follows tooth loss. Nevertheless, prevention remains the best medicine, especially when dealing with your teeth, which do not possess the cells necessary to rebuild themselves when damaged. To help you preserve your smile from the dangers of tooth loss, your Park Ridge dentists explore the leading cause of adult tooth loss in America—advanced gum disease.

How Does Gum Disease Lead to Tooth Loss?

Since tooth decay directly afflicts your tooth’s structure, one might reasonably assume that it was the main cause of tooth loss. However, even the severe tooth decay can be treated and restored with a dental crown, though extreme cases often require extraction for the good of your oral health. By contrast, gum disease attacks the soft gum tissue and hard jawbone that support your teeth, influencing this foundation’s ability to retain your teeth. Treating gum disease with advanced periodontal therapy can help your gums heal, and a gum graft can help rebuild the tissue to better protect the teeth that remain, but by the time gum disease becomes obvious, one or more teeth may already be in danger.

Protecting Your Smile from Gum Disease

Though different, gum disease and tooth decay originate in much the same manner—with the excessive buildup of bacterial dental plaque along your teeth and gum line. The germs within plaque release toxins that irritate your gum tissue, and when enough of them gather, the irritation can damage the connective tissues that hold your gums to your teeth. Other plaque bacteria manipulate your body’s inflammatory response, which is meant to drive out harmful pathogens, and the excessive gum inflammation exacerbates the gum recession that can cause your teeth to loosen. By brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, you can help control plaque formation. Also, visiting your dentist every six months or sooner can increase your chances of preventing gum disease, or detecting it early enough to treat it before it causes serious damage. If you notice that your gums are red, swollen, and/or bleed when you brush your teeth, then contact us immediately to schedule an appointment.

Treat Tooth Loss with Dental Implants from Your Park Ridge Dentists

If you’ve suffered tooth loss due to gum disease or any other reason, speak with Dr. Loukas about your eligibility for dental implants, the only replacement option that restores your lost tooth roots. You can schedule an appointment with your Park Ridge implant dentist by calling Loukas General Dentistry at (847) 696-1919. Located in the 60068 area, we proudly serve patients from Park Ridge and the surrounding Chicago communities.