Preventive Dentistry

The Primary Cause of Lost Teeth
You may think that most tooth loss is from decay, but the main reason is gum disease. Sometimes it is completely undetected up to the point of losing your teeth. If it is treated in the earlier stages, there are very effective nonsurgical methods to halt the infection. If you have bleeding gums from brushing or flossing or loose teeth, you should make an appointment with our office so we can prevent the loss of any teeth due to gum disease.
Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and Even Stroke
The American Dental Association has announced that 80% of all Americans have some stage of periodontal (gum) disease. Dentists consider this to be an epidemic level. If it were another disease such as tuberculosis, the general public would be concerned about the problem. But recent medical research has given reason for people to be more concerned about any level of gum disease. Gum disease has now been linked to the life-threatening conditions of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The bacteria from infected gums travel within the bloodstream to other vital organs, with a potential effect on the state of their health.

The American Academy of Periodontology reports, “studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.”

Now the Good News
If you wait too long to stop your gum infection, surgery will be necessary to reverse the condition. But if treatment begins in the earlier stages of the infection, nonsurgical methods can be used. Both surgery and nonsurgical procedures are covered under the majority of dental plans.

What’s So Bad About Losing a Tooth?
Is it a big deal to lose a tooth? Well, you can’t die from it, but missing just one tooth will allow other teeth to shift or move. This is not good, as you will not absorb as much nutrition from your food as with a full set of teeth. Other problems can result as well – chewing may become more difficult so softer, high-calorie foods may be favored that can add unwanted weight. Your speech may not be as clear as with a full set of teeth, and your face can take on a “sunken” look, which makes you look older than your age. Dental implants can replace one or many missing teeth. They look natural and function just like a real tooth. Even a dentist would have to look very closely to tell the difference.

Drs. Leaman, Setnicar & Piacsek, S.C.
James Leaman DDS, Joseph Setnicar DDS, Stacie Piacsek DDS
820 Summit Avenue
Oconomowoc, WI 53066
(262) 567-4466
LSPDental.com