There are several consequences people face when they do not deal with gum disease in time. Timely action can prevent gingivitis from worsening and causing long-term difficulties. In fact, our Encinitas/San Diego, CA periodontal practice can provide preventive services if you are affected by this infection. If the trouble with your gums has already worsened into periodontal disease, more involved care may be needed to fully restore your smile. One serious consequence of advanced gum disease is tooth loss. Over time, the bacteria that infect your gums destroy the tissues that keep teeth held in place. When too much damage occurs, they can be lost, or they may need to be extracted. In addition to helping people avoid tooth loss, we can start the process of restoring your smile through implant dentistry.
Can Gum Disease Really Cause Tooth Loss?
Gum disease is more likely to cause tooth loss than any other condition. When poor periodontal health is not addressed in time, an infection will become difficult to deal with effectively. In addition to raising your risk for general health problems, an advanced infection makes you vulnerable to tooth loss because it will destroy the supportive tissues that surround teeth. When teeth become loose, they will have to be extracted!
How Implant Dentistry Benefits Patients Who Have Lost Teeth
Tooth loss is more than a cosmetic concern. Remember that when a tooth is lost, you also lose the roots, which are embedded in your jawbone. Without the roots, your jaw loses stimulation that keeps it healthy. A dental implant will occupy the space where the tooth’s roots were previously located. In addition to holding a tooth to the jawbone, your implant will stimulate the bone and keep it from losing mass. Implants also help stabilize neighboring teeth, as they prevent neighboring roots from shifting in time.
Arranging Treatment To Fight Active Periodontal Disease
Restoring tooth loss is just one service we provide to people who are fighting periodontal disease. One thing we can do to help you is directly fight periodontal bacteria with laser tools. Our LANAP laser technology helps us carefully access spaces where harmful microbes have built up, remove them, and remove infected tissues so that healthy healing can take place. We can also help you fight bacteria buildup with Supportive Periodontal Maintenance, which can occur regularly in place of traditional teeth cleanings, and with ozone therapy to target harmful bacteria while leaving healthy microbes alone.
Talk To Your Encinitas/San Diego, CA Periodontist About Tooth Loss
Dr. Kania is ready to take care of patients who have lost teeth due to ongoing issues with periodontal disease. If you want to learn more about implant dentistry, or if you want to learn what we can do to help you control an active infection, call our periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.