Periodontology - Edentulism

Marin Contemporary Perio & Implant Concepts

Edentulism or toothlessness is a term which describes the condition of being toothless, to some degree. Having tooth loss. The loss of some teeth is referred to as partial edentulism. While the loss of all the teeth is called complete edentulism. People who have lost teeth are called edentulous and dentate is a term used for those who have not lost teeth. As an example, a scientific study might include a partially edentulous group and a healthy dentate control group.

In species which are naturally dentate, edentulism is more than just the presence or absence of teeth. Dentate is more complicated, because the teeth, jaws, and oral mucosa are not static objects. Rather, they are dynamic and change over time. Processes which include the loss and gain of bone tissue in the jaws and inflammation of soft tissue in response to the oral microbiota are clinically vital for edentulous people. For example, the resorption of the bone in the jaw is often how the teeth are able to detach. The jaw, in an edentulous area, undergoes additional resorption after the teeth are gone. The addition of dental implants can help preserve and even lead to the formation of new bone. Meanwhile, the bacteria and yeasts of the oral cavity and the immune system of their host work to create an immensely complicated and constantly changing interplay which present themselves clinically in the form of gingivitis, caries, stomatitis, and other periodontal issues.

Signs and symptoms

The importance and functionality of the teeth can easily be taken for granted. Taking a close examination of the critical significance of the teeth can help demonstrate how very important they are. Among other things, the teeth exist to do the following:

  • Support the lips and cheeks. This helps to provide a more full and aesthetically pleasing appearance
  • Maintain a person’s vertical dimension of occlusion
  • In addition to the tongue and lips, allow for clear communication and the proper pronunciation of different sounds
  • Preserve and maintain the height of the alveolar ridge
  • Cut, grind and chew food

It is also important to understand the psychological impact of tooth loss. Tooth loss has been proven to lower a patient's overall quality of life. The compromised oral function from tooth loss can lead to decreased self-esteem and a reduced psychological well-being. Patients may even be embarrassed to do normal things such as smile, eat and talk.

Tooth loss has a large impact on general and psychological health. Dental practitioners work diligently to prevent tooth loss through prevention, education and when required, treatment.

There can be numerous causes for a patient who has edentulism. In extremely rare cases, toothlessness can result from the teeth having never developed to begin with. This is called anodontia and is not common. In most cases, the condition is a result of the extraction of permanent teeth in adulthood. The extraction of permanent teeth may be from dental caries, periodontal or gum disease, trauma or other pathology of the face and mouth which may include cysts or tumors. In patients under the age of 45, dental caries are considered to be the primary cause of toothlessness. Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss in older age groups.

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When you come to Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, you can expect a friendly and professional dental team. Dr. Seda will listen carefully to your dental goals and provide a custom treatment plan that works with your budget and needs. We want you to fall in love with your smile again, so all our services are performed with the patient in mind. We want you to feel comfortable in the dental chair, and to feel confident in our services.

At Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, we aim to provide cutting edge perio and implant solutions in a comfortable and relaxed environment, where patients feel we put them first. Scheduling an appointment for All-on-4 Dental Implants is the first step towards being confident in your smile once again. To schedule an appointment, please contact us today at (415) 482-9901.