28Aug, 2023

Why is Oral Hygiene Important? | Woman brushing her teeth in the mirror | Lake Pointe Dental Group in O'Fallon, IL

Oral hygiene is maintaining the health and cleanliness of the mouth, teeth, and gums to keep them healthy and strong. Good oral hygiene prevents future dental problems and can help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.

At Lake Pointe Dental Group, we believe oral hygiene affects more than the mouth but is the foundation of your overall well-being. Our experienced team of dental hygienists and dentists in O’Fallon, IL, are dedicated to teaching comprehensive preventative care to help you maintain a healthy mouth and a healthy life. Learn more about our dental services.

The Connection Between Oral Health & Overall Health

Your oral hygiene strongly correlates to your overall health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to various dental issues and health problems. Practicing proper oral hygiene habits can help reduce your risk of developing these conditions:

Bad Breath
Cavities
Gum Disease
Tooth Decay
Heart Disease
Stroke
Diabetes
Dementia

Research has shown that bacteria and other microbes can enter your bloodstream when plaque builds up in the mouth. Because of this, poor oral hygiene can negatively affect more severe places in the body, including the heart and lungs, and lead to other chronic health issues. For instance, bacteria from an infected mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of your body, like your kidneys and lungs.

The Cost of Neglecting Oral Health

Neglecting your oral health can lead to health problems, resulting in expensive dental procedures or major restorative work. For instance, if left untreated, cavities can cause an infection requiring root canal therapy or tooth extraction. Also, gum disease can lead to periodontal treatments such as deep cleaning and scaling. These treatments add up!

In addition to dental treatments, conditions such as stroke or heart disease are typically costly. Luckily, these unnecessary costs can be prevented- you must learn how to care for your mouth correctly.

Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

To maintain good oral hygiene, brushing your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is essential. You should also floss daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash. By following these simple tips, you can do your part to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy.

While maintaining good oral hygiene at home, visiting your dentist for regular checkups and dental cleanings is still very important. During these visits, your dentist can identify potential issues and provide treatment if needed. Additionally, professional cleaning from a dental hygienist removes plaque buildup and helps keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Experienced Dentists in O’Fallon, IL

To maintain good oral hygiene and excellent health, brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use an antibacterial mouthwash. Visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups is also very important.

Lake Pointe Dental Group provides comprehensive dental care to patients. If you are looking for a dentist in O’Fallon to help maintain your oral health, we are happy to help answer any questions and provide the best solutions for your needs.

17Mar, 2023

Veneers vs. Crowns: Which One Do I Need?

Lake Pointe Dental Group

Dental Care

Veneers vs. Crowns: Which One Do I Need?

If you wish to restore the appearance of your teeth, consider dental veneers vs. crowns. Both can be effective, whether for cosmetic purposes or more serious dental concerns. But which one is right for you?

It’s common to have questions about veneers and crowns. The best way to determine the solution for your needs is to understand what they are and how they differ.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin coverings of ceramic or porcelain material bonded to the front of your teeth. They correct the appearance of minor imperfections, such as discolored or chipped teeth. Veneers can also improve the shape and size of your teeth, creating a more uniform smile.

They are a popular choice for cosmetic dentistry because they look and feel like natural teeth. Veneers also only require two office visits, making them a swift and easy process.

Procedure

During the first office visit, your dentist prepares your teeth by shaving the front surface to create the ideal shape. Doing so also makes the surface rough, allowing for proper bonding.

Next, your dentist will take impressions of the prepared teeth and send them to a dental laboratory for custom fabrication. During this time, you may receive temporary veneers.

Once the permanent veneers are ready, you’ll return to the dentist’s office for placement. They’ll use cement and visible light to bond the veneers to your teeth.

Pros of Veneers

Veneers are an excellent option for those wishing to make minor cosmetic changes to the appearance of their teeth. They’re also durable, lasting up to 15 years with proper care and maintenance.

Veneers are less invasive than crowns and help strengthen your tooth enamel. They don’t require significant preparation and can be applied in two office visits.

Cons of Veneers

Veneers can be costly, especially if they are elective for cosmetic purposes, and may require additional visits for touch-ups. In some cases, veneers may also require more extensive tooth preparation than other treatments.

Veneers may not be suitable for individuals with existing gum recession or those who grind their teeth. In addition, they cannot repair cavities or fractures in the tooth, and they are not as strong as crowns.

What are Crowns?

Crowns, also called “caps,” are hollow shells of ceramic material that fit over your existing tooth or implant. Unlike veneers, crowns encase the tooth entirely from top to bottom.

As a result, they’re more durable than veneers and can withstand wear and tear from chewing and grinding. Crowns look and feel like natural teeth.

Procedure

Like veneers, crowns require two visits. During your first visit, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing decay and reshaping the enamel. They will often reshape significant portions of the tooth’s sides and back.

Then, they will take impressions of your teeth and send them to the dental laboratory for custom crown fabrication. Once complete, your dentist will cement them during the second appointment.

Pros of Crowns

Crowns are a great option for those who need to repair or replace a large filling, fix a fracture in a tooth, or restore a severely damaged tooth. They’re also effective at protecting weak teeth from further damage and decay.

Cons of Crowns

Unlike veneers, crowns require extensive preparation of existing teeth, such as removing significant decay, and may require a root canal before application. Additionally, because they completely encase the tooth, some individuals may find that their crown does not match their natural teeth as well as veneers can.

Veneers vs. Crowns: The Similarities

Veneers and crowns are excellent options for adults who wish to improve the appearance of their smile. They provide a durable and beautiful restoration that looks and feels like natural teeth.

Crowns and veneers follow a similar procedure and aim to create a new smile. Both devices, whether restorative or cosmetic, boost confidence and aesthetics.

Veneers vs. Crowns: The Differences

The primary difference between veneers and crowns is the extent of preparation. Veneers require minimal to no tooth preparation, while crowns require extensive reshaping of the underlying tooth structure. In addition, veneers are often used for minor cosmetic changes, while crowns are more suitable for structural repairs or large fillings.

Another notable difference is that veneers only cover the front of your teeth, while crowns encase them entirely. Veneers are less invasive than crowns, but because they only cover the front part of your tooth, they aren’t as durable or effective at protecting weak teeth from further damage.

Which is Right for You?

The suitable device for you depends on the condition of your teeth and the results you desire. Veneers may be a better option if you need a minor cosmetic improvement. If your teeth are weak or damaged, or if you’re looking for a more durable restoration, then crowns may be the best choice.

At Lake Pointe Dental Group in O’Fallon, IL, we offer veneer and crown treatments to ensure that our patients have access to the best possible care for their smiles. We understand that dental work can seem overwhelming and intimidating, so we strive to ensure our patients feel comfortable and informed throughout every process.

If you have any questions or want to discuss which treatment option is best, don’t hesitate to call us! We’re always here to help.

Schedule an Appointment Today

At our O’Fallon, IL, family dentistry practice, we specialize in veneers and crowns. Our team boasts decades of experience helping patients achieve their dental goals. We offer comprehensive evaluations to help determine which option is best for you and your smile.

Schedule an Appointment

22Feb, 2023

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Lake Pointe Dental Group

Dental Care, Dental Implants

How Do Dental Implants Work?

If you’re considering dental implants, you might wonder how they work. Dental implants are a type of tooth replacement that involves placing artificial roots into the jawbone. These roots then fuse with the bone, providing a solid foundation for artificial teeth.

Dental implants may work for you if you:

Have one or more missing teeth
Don’t smoke tobacco
Possess healthy oral tissues
Are unable to wear dentures
Have a fully grown jawbone
Want to improve your speech
Don’t have health conditions that can disrupt bone healing
Have adequate jawbone to secure implants or able to undergo a bone graft

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a permanent dental solution available to individuals who have lost one or more teeth due to dental trauma, age, or other factors. The dental implant replaces the natural tooth root, allowing a crown, bridge, denture, or dental appliance to attach securely.

This innovative dental procedure typically involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone and allowing it to fully integrate with its surrounding bone structure for improved stability and strength. With proper care and regular dental visits for maintenance, dental implants can last for many years and make an aesthetically pleasing addition to your smile.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Although the dental implant procedure may seem complex, it has continuously improved over the years. You can generally expect the following steps to occur when receiving dental implants:

Consultation
Jawbone preparation (if needed)
Dental implant placement
Bone growth and healing
Abutment placement
Artificial tooth (crown) placement

Consultation

The dental implant procedure starts with a consultation between you and your dentist to evaluate whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure. During the initial consultation, your dentist also performs a comprehensive medical history to ensure success. Then, they customize a treatment plan according to your needs and refer you to an experienced oral surgeon.

Jawbone Preparation

Your oral surgeon will perform a bone graft if your jawbone isn’t thick enough or too soft to support an implant. During a bone graft, the surgeon places healthy tissue in the intended implant location. Once your jawbone heals and grows with the new tissue, you’ll have a strong foundation for the implant.

Dental Implant Placement

In the next step of the process, your oral surgeon inserts a titanium screw into your jawbone that will act as an anchor for your prosthetic tooth. They do so by opening your gum to expose the bone, drilling a hole, and placing the “root” into the designated space.

Bone Growth and Healing

Following the implant placement, you will likely have to wait for your jawbone to heal. The goal is to ensure that your jawbone fuses successfully with the titanium screw, which can take 12 weeks or longer. However, each case differs, so your surgeon can give you an accurate timeline according to your situation.

Placing the Abutment

The abutment is the piece where the prosthetic tooth (crown) attaches. Sometimes, oral surgeons place the abutment during the same procedure as the titanium screw. However, this piece points upward into the mouth, causing discomfort, so many patients prefer a separate procedure to place the abutment once their jawbone heals.

Crown Placement

Placing the dental crown over the implant is a delicate but essential procedure for successful surgery. Your dentist takes impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth to create a crown that fits snugly and blends seamlessly with the surrounding structures.

It’s important to note that your dentist can’t place the crown until your jawbone is fully healed and strong enough to support all implant components. Next, your dentist attaches the prosthetic tooth using unique materials and techniques – such as cement – to ensure it remains firm.

How Dental Implants Work

Once you receive dental implants, you’ll enjoy numerous benefits, such as the following:

Restores your ability to chew
Restores cosmetic appearance
Helps keep nearby teeth stable
Improves your quality of life
Helps keep your jawbone from shrinking due to bone loss
Preserves the health of your surrounding bone and gums

Because they look and feel like natural teeth, dental implants blend perfectly into your smile and reduce further damage to other areas. Additionally, they directly connect to your jawbone and stimulate it as you chew and talk, similar to natural teeth. As a result, they promote better health for the surrounding tissue and prevent additional bone loss. It’s no surprise why so many people are now opting for dental implants as their preferred choice for tooth replacement!

Caring for Dental Implants

Taking proper care of your dental implants is essential to preserving the health of your smile. As with natural teeth, brushing at least twice a day and regularly flossing helps maintain oral hygiene and protects your implants from food particles, bacteria, and tartar buildup.

Ensure you visit your dentist for regular cleanings so plaque doesn’t accumulate around the abutments. Avoid chewing hard foods such as ice cubes and other hard candy, as it can damage your implant’s surface.

Further, don’t smoke or excessively use alcohol, for doing so can lead to implant failure. These simple steps ensure you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for years to come!

Schedule Your Appointment for Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great way to improve your smile and confidence. The procedure is simple, quick, and relatively painless. They also offer numerous benefits, such as restoring your ability to chew and improving your quality of life. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.

We take pride in our far-reaching dental services at Lake Pointe Dental Group in O’Fallon, IL. Our team is here to ensure you love your smile! If you’re curious about how dental implants could work, schedule an appointment with us today!

Schedule an Appointment

29Aug, 2022

two sets of hands holding professional whitening products, such as gel and trays

The Differences Between Teeth Whitening Strips and In-Office Teeth Whitening

Lake Pointe Dental Group

Dental Care, Teeth Whitening

Whitening strips and professional whitening share the goal of brightening your smile but do so in different ways. The most apparent difference between them pertains to where you receive treatment – either at home or in the dentist’s chair. However, you must consider several factors when determining which method best suits your needs.

What Are at Home Teeth Whitening Strips?

Teeth whitening strips are a prevalent method for those wishing to improve their smile. Flexible plastic material and a thin layer of bleaching gel comprise most whitening strips. The gel, typically made of either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, adheres to your teeth, penetrates the enamel, and breaks down the discolored molecules.

As you apply the strips to your top and bottom teeth, the gel firmly presses against them and gently lifts stains while held in place by the plastic strip. Leave the whitening strips on for up to 30 minutes. Since you can buy strips nearly anywhere and wear them at home, you have the freedom to finish chores, read a book, or rest during the treatment.

The Results of Teeth Whitening Strips

Since teeth whitening strips are readily available at stores, they contain less hydrogen peroxide than other methods. Therefore, depending on how discolored your teeth were before treatment, you may need to apply the whitening strips daily for two to three weeks. Then, after you achieve the desired shade, you’ll only have to use the strips every once in a while to maintain it.

What Is Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening?

Zoom teeth whitening is one of the most popular professional treatments performed by certified dentists. Good candidates for Zoom whitening visit their dentist for the treatment. Your dentist begins treatment by covering your gums and lips, exposing only your teeth. Next, they apply the Zoom whitening gel, a 25% hydrogen peroxide solution, directly to your teeth.

A specially designed Zoom light quickens the process and, together with the gel, removes surface stains by penetrating deep into the enamel. Then, after every 15 minutes, the gel and light procedure repeats until the treatment session ends. It typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, and once complete, your dentist rinses the gel and applies a fluoride-based solution to reduce sensitivity.

Professional Whitening Results

After one treatment session, Zoom whitening results can last six months to a year with proper care. In-office whitening methods contain significantly greater amounts of hydrogen peroxide that only certified dentists can apply, so fewer visits are required to achieve your goal shade. Patients can also schedule retouch appointments during regular dental visits if they choose between whitening appointments.

Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening Strips

The advantages and disadvantages of using teeth whitening strips are as follows:

Pros

An inexpensive, convenient, and quick method of brightening your smile
Readily available for purchase in-store or online
Generally, an effective, safe, and convenient treatment when used as directed
Easy to place and remove strips
At-home treatment

Cons

Not all brands achieve the same results
Can cause irregular or uneven whitening if used incorrectly
Higher risk of tooth sensitivity
Strips can lose their adhesive and thus may fall off
Can cause enamel damage if overused
Higher risk for gum irritation

Pros and Cons of Philips Zoom Whitening

Philips Zoom whitening treatment also has many pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Immediate results (up to 8 shades brighter after the first session)
Whitening can last up to a year with proper care
A dentist completes everything for you
Treatment only takes 45 minutes to an hour
Lower risk of gum irritation and damage
Receive a retouching kit to maintain the white between visits

Cons

Costs more than over-the-counter treatments due to administration by a dental professional
Tooth sensitivity is common
You must visit the dentist to receive treatment

Receive Quality Care From Our O’Fallon, IL Dentist

At Lake Pointe Dental Group, our dental professionals provide numerous services to patients, including Zoom in-office teeth whitening in O’Fallon, IL. We’re dedicated to the patients we care for and treat each one like family. Whether you need a routine dental cleaning, root canal therapy, or emergency care, our O’Fallon family dentistry team can serve you. We’re sure you’ll leave our office with a confident smile!

Schedule an appointment with our dentists, Drs. Greiff and Bean, today to learn more about your teeth whitening and dental care options.

Schedule an Appointment

22Apr, 2022

What is a Toothache?

Lake Pointe Dental Group

Dental Care

Toothaches are characterized by pain either in or around a tooth. Some minor aches are caused by temporary gum irritation and can be treated at home. On the other hand, more severe toothaches are caused by dental or mouth issues that only a dentist can effectively treat. Regardless of its cause or severity, a toothache is uncomfortable and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Toothache Causes

Several factors determine the root cause of a toothache, but the common result is some form of pain. The pulp inside your teeth is soft and filled with nerves, tissues, and blood vessels. When the pulp’s nerves, the most sensitive in the body, are irritated or infected by bacteria, they can create severe pain. Common causes of toothaches include:

Tooth decay: When damage to the tooth’s surface occurs, cavities can form, which can be painful.
Abscessed tooth: A bacterial infection inside the tooth’s pulp.
Tooth fracture: A crack in your tooth can cause discomfort.
Repetitive motions: Actions such as chewing gum or grinding the teeth can wear down the enamel, increasing the risk of irritation and infection.
Eruption: Teeth that break through the gums can be a temporary yet painful experience.
Infected gums: Also called periodontitis, gum disease damages the soft tissue, and if left untreated, the bone underneath as well, causing pain and tooth loss.

Additionally, toothaches can be the result of an issue elsewhere in your body, called referred pain. An example of this phenomenon is sinusitis, a condition in which your sinuses become inflamed due to a fungal, viral or bacterial infection in your sinus cavities. Since the roots of your upper teeth are located close to your sinuses, it’s possible you may experience a toothache as a result.

Toothache Symptoms

Besides pain, toothaches can bring about additional symptoms. Depending on the severity, some cases can disappear after a couple days. For instance, if the cause of your toothache is from mild gum irritation, you can simply avoid chewing in the affected area and eat soft foods until the pain subsides. However, if you experience the following symptoms for a prolonged period of time, it’s important to receive dental treatment as soon as possible:

Sharp, throbbing, constant pain
Pain resulting from pressure on the affected area
Fever or headache
A bad odor from the mouth
Foul-tasting drainage from an infected tooth

Treating Toothache at Home

Mild toothaches typically improve after a few days. In the meantime, certain at-home steps can be implemented to ease the pain, such as:

Rinsing with saltwater: Stirring ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of water and rinsing your mouth thoroughly can loosen debris between your teeth, reduce inflammation, and act as a disinfectant.
Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide: Dilute the hydrogen peroxide (3%) with equal parts water and swish thoroughly in your mouth, being careful not to swallow it. The solution helps to reduce pain and inflammation.
Pain medications: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as Tylenol or Advil, can work to reduce inflammation and pain.
Cold compress: Holding a cold compress of ice wrapped in a towel to the affected area for 20-minute periods every few hours can numb the tooth.

If you’ve tried several different home remedies and still experience painful symptoms after a few days, it’s in your best interest to visit the dentist. The trained professionals, such as the team at Lake Pointe Dental Group, are trained to treat a variety of dental conditions. They know the best practices for ensuring comfort and will work to relieve your toothache.

When to See the Dentist for a Toothache

Temporary, homemade pain relief won’t be enough if your symptoms are progressing. Call your dentist when it’s clear your issue isn’t getting any better despite your efforts. When you visit our dentist office in O’Fallon, IL, for a toothache, we’ll first review your medical history. Then, we’ll identify where the pain is located, when it started, its severity, and what helps.

In addition, our team will take an X-ray of your mouth to picture the affected area and assist us in determining the next best steps. Once the cause is determined, a treatment plan will be given. You may receive definitive treatment, temporary antibiotics, a referral, or other palliative care, depending on the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment differs depending on the specific cause. For example, if a cavity is causing your toothache, Dr. Greiff or Dr. Bean will restore the tooth. In some cases where the pulp is infected or an abscess is present, a root canal would be the route taken. The dentist will remove the infected pulp and replace it with sealing material.

If you have a fever or are suffering from a swollen jaw, antibiotics will likely be recommended. Minor infections can arise from pieces of food being lodged in the gums, so an antibiotic will help to reduce swelling. Further periodontal procedures, like deep cleaning, can also be performed or recommended depending on the severity of your gum disease.

How to Prevent Toothache

Since a majority of toothaches are caused by tooth decay, good oral hygiene practices are highly effective in prevention. Be sure to brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once each day, rinse with a quality mouthwash, and visit your dentist twice a year for professional dental cleaning in O’Fallon, IL. Avoiding foods high in sugar can also help prevent toothaches.

Receive Care from Our O’Fallon, IL Dentist

No matter how severe, toothaches can be extremely uncomfortable. However, your pain is not permanent so long as it’s treated. If you experience pain, fever, bad odors or foul tastes and have attempted home remedies to no avail, contact our O’Fallon, IL dentist office right away. Untreated toothaches can significantly worsen as time passes, and may indicate another condition elsewhere in your body. Schedule an appointment today to relieve your symptoms and prevent further issues.

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27Apr, 2020

Why is My Breath Bad? 5 Surprising Causes of Bad Breath

Lake Pointe Dental Group

amp-img, i-amphtml-sizer, img Dental Care

We all get bad breath from time to time. Spicy food, tobacco, coffee, poor oral hygiene— these are just some of the common causes of halitosis we’ve all seen or experienced. However, there are many possibilities behind the condition that may not be so obvious and yet are more concerning.

If you have bad breath you can’t quite explain, especially if it persists and is beginning to restrict you socially, consider the following surprising causes:

Low-Carb Diet

When your diet barely includes carbohydrates, your body runs on fats and releases ketones into your bloodstream. The problem is that these ketones can also find their way into your breath, giving you that distinct halitosis that comes with low carb consumption. Obviously this is not an oral hygiene issue, so no amount of extra brushing, flossing, or tongue scraping will do. The good news is, you don’t have to quit your low-carb diet either. Ketosis-related halitosis can be managed simply with sugarless gum or mints, especially the bacteria-fighting xylitol, and increased water intake to dilute the ketones.

Medications

Drugs are another less known cause of halitosis, and there are two ways they affect your breath. First, they cause the release of odorous body chemicals that can leak through your mouth; and second, they decrease the production of saliva, whose antibacterial action keeps your breath smelling fresh. Many medicines can cause halitosis, especially when taken long-term, including antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics, migraine medications, and even certain vitamin supplements. Fortunately, just like ketosis-related bad breath, drug-induced halitosis can be managed with sugarless gum and mints and by drinking more water to keep the mouth hydrated.

Being Sick (Cold, Strep Throat, Sinusitis, Etc.)

We’ve all experienced colds, strep throat and sinusitis, but we don’t always think of them as causes of halitosis. They are, and so are a host of other respiratory illnesses that deposit infected mucus at the back of the throat, making our breath stink when we breathe from the mouth. Generally speaking, we emit odors when we’re ill simply because our immune systems are on overdrive. It’s nature’s signal that someone is sick and needs attention, or that we should back off to protect ourselves from the contagion. Even animals are documented to have this ability to smell illness, whether in humans or other animals.

Alcohol Consumption

When we drink too much alcohol, our bodies treat the substance as a toxin and convert it to less harmful chemicals to protect us from its damaging effects. About 90% of the alcohol we consume gets converted to acetic acid, and that’s what causes bad breath following an alcohol binge. It goes without saying that if you drink too much too often, the halitosis will stick around longer. Not all kinds of alcoholic drinks cause bad breath equally though, but you’ll want to stay away from liqueurs, certain aromatic blends, or alcohol altogether.

Heartburn and GERD

In gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus and cause a painful sensation known as heartburn. But that’s not what causes GERD-related bad breath. Remember that your stomach contains undigested food, acids, and bile. When they escape into your esophagus, which leads all the way to your mouth, you get bad breath. Managing GERD-related bad breath is therefore as simple as managing your GERD; for example, eating smaller meals or waiting a few hours to lie down after you eat. Ask your doctor for tips.

Learn More at Lake Pointe Dental Group in O’Fallon

While bad breath is generally harmless, it can signal something more important, such as a lifestyle problem or even a serious disease that must be addressed. By knowing that halitosis can be caused by many other factors, such as carb consumption, medicines, respiratory illnesses, alcohol, or heartburn, you know the condition must never be taken for granted. Of course, it helps to have a family dentist to appease your concerns and help you find the right solutions to your bad breath woes. Oral health care goes beyond treating halitosis or its causes, after all. It’s about providing comprehensive family dental care that includes installing crowns, dental implants, or any other needed interventions.

If you’re looking for an O’Fallon, Il dentist or an emergency dentist O’Fallon Il, in particular, Lake Pointe Dental is a trusted name in the city’s family dentistry industry. Reach out today!

10Mar, 2020

What Causes Tooth Loss in Adults?

Lake Pointe Dental Group

Dental Care, Dental Implants

For a young child, the sudden loss of a tooth means the tooth fairy will visit and leave goodies behind! Tooth loss—a cause for celebration as a child—feels far different when you’re an adult.

At best, losing a tooth means a trip to the dentist, and necessary interventions to set things right. At worst, losing a tooth may permanently affect your appearance, resulting in a loss of self esteem.

So, what can you do to protect your own smile? Here are some of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults and ways to address them. Lake Pointe Dental Group can help you protect your smile!

Gum Disease

One of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults is gum disease. No matter what your age, healthy gums are an essential part of dental care, and neglecting those vital structures may have devastating consequences.

The reason gums are so vital is easy to understand: your gums hold your teeth in place. If those gums are compromised by advanced disease, your teeth can loosen and eventually fall out. Dr. Harold Bean and Dr. Richard Greiff provide regular, thorough examinations at Lake Pointe Dental Group in O’Fallon, Illinois. Gum disease is relatively easy to treat in its early stages, but the longer you wait the more your teeth will be at risk. The team at Lake Pointe Dental provides cleanings, can offer advice on the best toothpastes to use in each individual case, and refer to a periodontist for specialized treatment. The sooner you schedule an appointment with Lake Pointe Dental Group, the sooner you start protecting your precious smile.

Sports Injuries

Not all tooth loss is related to poor oral hygiene or undetected gum disease. Sports injuries can also take a toll on your smile.

If you play sports, especially contact sports, you need to protect your teeth. Wearing a mouthguard is a good place to start, and there are other sport-specific dental appliances you can use as well. If you do lose a tooth playing football, hockey, or another favorite sport, prompt dental attention could restore your smile and help prevent further damage. Having a tooth knocked out is an urgent situation; your first call should be to Dr. Bean and Dr. Greiff in O’Fallon.

Unattended Cavities

In many cases, intense pain will signal you have a cavity in your mouth. When you take a drink or try to eat, the exposed nerve lets you know something is wrong. In other cases, a cavity may not be so obvious.

Sometimes cavities do not create toothache pain; that makes a problem easy to miss. Undetected or untreated cavities can lead to tooth loss. Dr. Bean, Dr. Greiff, and the Lake Pointe Dental team of hygienists detect cavities at the earliest stages when treatment is simple. It is important to see a dentist twice a year.

Do yourself and your smile a favor; schedule your next examination today. In many cases, prompt action can prevent the loss of a tooth. Even if the tooth is too far gone, you can restore your smile with dental implants.

Contact Lake Pointe Dental Group

Knowing what causes tooth loss in adults is key to maintaining good oral health and your appearance. Lake Pointe Dental Group schedules emergency exams, comprehensive exams and cleanings, and regular appointments.

If your smile has already been compromised by a prior tooth loss, Dr. Bean and Dr. Greiff will develop a treatment plan to help you recover. It is never too early or too late for quality family dental care. Request an appointment at Lake Pointe Dental Group!