Have you lost some teeth but don’t know the causes? Have you heard of periodontitis and implantology but want to learn more? If so, follow us: the following article provides some useful information about tooth loss, its causes, and possible remedies.
Tooth loss and periodontitis
Tooth loss can occur for various reasons. One of the most common causes is periodontitis, more commonly known as “pyorrhea.”
Periodontitis is an infectious disease in which the presence of bacterial plaque leads to gum recession or the formation of periodontal pockets, which are spaces that form as a result of bone loss along the root.
If left untreated, periodontitis can cause tooth loss. To treat it, a surgical procedure must be performed to remove bacteria from the pockets. Once this is done, it is possible to save the teeth.
The Statistics
Periodontitis is a widespread disease, but despite this, it is often underestimated, and there is a significant lack of scientifically approved information.
According to a survey conducted by the Institute of German Dentists, more than 60% of respondents, out of a sample of one thousand, were unaware of the link between periodontitis and tooth loss, and almost 70% did not know that the best form of prevention is good oral hygiene.
According to the results of the 4th German Oral Health Study by the IDC in 2006, 20% of people aged 35 to 44 and 40% of those aged 65 to 74 suffer from periodontitis.
Solutions for tooth loss
In the case of tooth loss, it is essential to replace them as soon as possible, as the neighboring teeth tend to shift to fill the empty space, causing chewing problems.
There are several techniques for replacing missing teeth. One of the most common is dental implants.
An implant is an artificial titanium root that, once implanted in the maxillary or mandibular bone, supports a fixed dental prosthesis. First, the implant must integrate with the bone, which is why, in the initial session, the implant is placed, and then after 3-6 months, the prosthesis is applied to allow time for the artificial root to fuse with the bone.
When there isn’t enough bone to insert implants, a dental bridge can be used. The bridge is a fixed prosthesis supported by the teeth adjacent to the missing one; essentially, these teeth are reshaped to create space for the bridge to be fixed.
At Freesmile, we do everything we can to prevent tooth loss. We treat periodontitis, whether in its early or advanced stages, and completely eliminate the disease. To assess the condition of the gums, during the first visit we perform a thorough periodontal screening, through which the depth of the pockets can be measured. Based on this examination, our doctors will propose a personalized treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs.
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