Perio Other – Edentulism

Edentulism or toothlessness is a term used to describe patients who are toothless. The loss of some of the teeth is called partial edentulism and the loss of all teeth is called complete edentulism. Patients who have lost teeth are called edentulous and while patients who have not lost teeth are called dentate. For example, scientific studies may include a section of edentulous people and a control group of healthy dentate.

Edentulism is more than simply the presence or absence of teeth in species who are naturally dentate. Because the teeth, jaws, and oral mucosa are not static objects, dentate is a more complicated matter. These objects are dynamic and change over time. Processes which include the gain or loss of bone tissue in the jaws and inflammation of soft tissue in response to the oral microbiota are clinically critical for edentulous people. The resorption of the bone located in the jaw is often how the teeth are able to detach. The jaw, which is classified as an edentulous area, undergoes additional resorption once the teeth are gone. Adding dental implants can aid in preserving bone and in some cases, can even lead to the new formation of bone. While this occurs, the bacteria and yeast which are present in the oral cavity and immune system work to create a vastly complex and continuously changing interplay which can present themselves in the form of gingivitis, caries, stomatitis, and other periodontal issues.

Signs and Symptoms

It is easy to take the importance and functionality of the teeth for granted when they are healthy. By taking a closer look at the vital significance of the teeth can aid in demonstrating the critical role they play in our daily lives. Some of the most important jobs of the teeth include the following:

• Supporting the lips and cheeks. This gives patients a fuller and more aesthetically pleasing appearance
• Maintaining the vertical dimension of occlusion
• Combined with the tongue and lips, the teeth give patients the ability to clearly communicate and to properly pronounce various sounds
• Preservation and maintenance of the alveolar ridge height
• Chew, grind and cut food when eating

Another important component is the psychological impact of the loss of teeth. Tooth loss has been proven to lower the overall quality of life for a patient. In addition, the reduced oral function associated with tooth loss can lead to a decreased self-esteem and reduced psychological well-being. Following tooth loss, a patient may be embarrassed to routine daily activities such as eat, smile and communicate.

Because it can have a major impact on the general and psychological health of a patient, dentist work hard to avoid tooth loss through prevention, education and proper treatment.

There are various causes for patients who have edentulism. While these cases are extremely rare, toothlessness can occur from the teeth never having developed. This condition is called anodontia. In most cases of toothlessness, the condition caused by the extraction of permanent teeth when the patient is an adult. The extraction of permanent teeth may be due to dental caries, periodontal disease, trauma or other issues of the face and mouth which can include tumors. Dental caries are considered to be the primary cause of toothlessness for patients who are under 45 years old. Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss patients who are older.