Park Ridge dentists, Drs. Maria and Thanasi Loukas have witnessed many patients dealing with the trials which tooth loss causes. Fortunately, losing permanent teeth isn’t natural or inevitable as you age. You can easily prevent tooth loss with proper dental self-care and regular checkups. Though adult teeth can be lost for a number of reasons (including unplanned traumatic injury) patients often lose teeth to advanced dental infection.
Common Reasons for Tooth Loss
Healthy adult teeth are securely embedded in sockets within the gingival tissues and jawbone. They are held in place by your strong and flexible periodontal ligaments. When these ligaments (or the gum tissues and jawbone which support your teeth) are severely damaged, your jaw loses its grip on teeth. First they loosen, and then they fall out or require a tooth extraction. Common causes behind tooth loss include severe decay which erodes your dentin’s structure, and periodontal disease, which destroys gum tissue and can infect the jawbone that supports your teeth. The most severe form of gum disease, known as periodontitis, is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States today.
Proper Dental Care
As we mentioned earlier, accidents can certainly happen in spite of great dental care. Tooth loss is not always preventable if a sudden impact knocks one or more teeth out of their sockets. Fortunately, you can significantly reduce your risks of tooth loss by simply taking good care of your smile with excellent oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing your gorgeous smile at least twice a day controls dental plaque/tartar and the bacteria which lead to dental diseases. By attending your six month dental checkups and exams, you help ensure that your mouth stays clean and healthy. If tooth decay or periodontal infection is detected and treated early by Dr. Loukas, these conditions can be controlled to prevent the extensive damage they would otherwise cause.
About Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas:
Whether you wish to protect your smile from dental disease and damage, or restore your smile after suffering tooth loss, we can help you regain your oral health and confidence through a new and improved smile. Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas are highly-skilled restorative and cosmetic dentists serving the Park Ridge and surrounding Chicago communities. To schedule an appointment, call Loukas General Dentistry today at (847) 696-1919.