Causes and risk factors
In cases of children, dental caries and trauma is one of the major contributing factors for loss of teeth. It can affect both the primary and permanent teeth. While in adults, along with dental caries diseases of the gums and affection of bones which support the teeth, can lead to loss of teeth. Loss of teeth is commonly seen in patients suffering from diabetes, heart diseases, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis. Poor oral hygiene and smoking increases the risk for loss of teeth. Loss of teeth is also a side effect of certain medical treatments like chemotherapy for cancer or radiation therapy. Certain other factors also predispose loss of teeth; these are poor eating habits, wrong dietary intake, smoking, chewing tobacco, alcohol intake in excess, etc. Psychological causes like fear and embarrassment for initiation of treatment or negligence for dental complaints can also contribute for the same.
Clinical presentation:
Absence of tooth is seen. It can cause difficulty in chewing food and patient might experience difficulty in talking. Complete loss of teeth hampers the facial appearance along with smile. It can lead to various psychological disturbances like low self-esteem and embarrassment in public appearances.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done of the basis of the examination carried out by the dentist and the complaints narrated by the patient. There is often a history of injury or some underlying disease. Usually clinical appearance itself is diagnostic. If the doctor suspects any kind of fracture of the jaw or root, then dental x-ray may be advised.
Treatment:
Loss of teeth can be replaced by artificial teeth known as dental implants. The missing teeth can also be replaced by dentures which are removable and conventional. A space that is left between the missing teeth can be filled by a false tooth known as dental bridge. Apart from this, maintenance of good oral hygiene is the foremost step which should be maintained.
