Unless one of your teeth is causing you serious trouble, then chances are you wouldn’t be happy about losing it. Even losing a back tooth, which might not be noticeable to others, can lower your confidence in your smile, especially if you pride yourself on taking good care of it. Nevertheless, the consequences of tooth loss extend far beyond your personal sensibilities. Your teeth were meant to last for life, and Astoria dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, warns that if you lose one, replacing it should be your first priority. To help ensure that you understand the need to retain your teeth, or replace those that you can’t, take our short tooth loss quiz below. You might be surprised to learn how much your oral health depends on every single tooth.
The Tooth Loss Quiz
1.) Though tooth loss is common, it isn’t inevitable, and is typically caused by dental trauma or severe disease. What is the most common cause of adult tooth loss in America today?
a.) Dental injury
b.) Tooth decay
c.) Gum disease
2.) The top parts of your teeth, called the crowns, are the functional sections responsible for biting, chewing, and filling your smile. The bottom portions of your teeth, which extend under your gums, are called what?
a.) Roots
b.) Stakes
c.) Staffs
3.) What is the only tooth restoration option that replaces the bottom portions of your teeth and the vital functions they serve?
a.) Root canals
b.) Dental implants
c.) Dental splints
Answers
1.) Gum disease—One might think that tooth decay was the leading cause of tooth loss, considering that decay directly attacks your teeth. By contrast, gum disease bypasses your tooth structure and destroys the foundations of your smile (gums and jawbone) that support and hold your teeth. Since early gum disease doesn’t usually generate discomfort, it often isn’t detected until it’s progressed enough to threaten your oral health.
2.) Roots—Like the name suggests, your tooth roots are “buried” into your jawbone, which supports them and sustains them with necessary minerals and nutrients. Consequently, your roots also help sustain your jawbone; the pressure from biting and chewing stimulates the roots so that your body knows to send your jawbone enough sustenance to support them. Losing a tooth and its roots means fewer nutrients for your jawbone, and the deficiency can lead to jawbone deterioration if ignored.
3.) Dental implants—You have a number of options for replacing your teeth’s crowns depending on the severity and pattern of your tooth loss, from dental bridges to partial and full dentures. However, a dental implant is the only option that is surgically inserted into your jawbone to replace your tooth’s roots and the stimulation that helps keep you jawbone strong and healthy.
Prevent & Treat Tooth Loss with Your Astoria Dentist
To learn more about the consequences of tooth loss, schedule a dental consultation with your Astoria dentist by calling our office today at (718) 728-8320. Located in the 11106 area, we proudly serve patients from Astoria, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the surrounding communities.
