75% of all adult tooth loss is due to periodontal disease. When your gums and bone are damaged by periodontal infection, there is less support for your teeth. As this support disappears, your teeth first become loose and then can be lost. When your dentist recommends periodontal treatment, it is important to get started right away.
Natural Teeth Must Be Replaced
If the periodontal inflammation continues, you can start to lose your teeth one at a time. These lost teeth will have to be replaced with dental work, such as:
- Bridges
- Dental implants
- Partial dentures
- Full dentures
Dentures
If tooth loss continues, it can cause you to need dentures. Many patients do not understand the full consequences of wearing dentures. There can be many problems with dentures including:
- Inability to eat certain foods
- Inability to feel and taste foods
- Lisping or clacking when speaking
- Pain or discomfort
- Unnatural looking teeth
- Self-consciousness and embarrassment while eating
- Having to take your dentures out at night for soaking
- Your spouse seeing you without teeth at night
The Good News
In most cases the progress of periodontal infection can be stopped with prompt treatment. The gums and bone around your teeth can then be saved from further damage.