Tooth loss doesn’t happen all at once—it’s usually the result of small problems that go unchecked for years. And for many people, by the time they notice their teeth are loose or painful, it’s already too late to save them.
As a prosthodontist myself, I sat down with an orthodontist, Dr. J to discuss how to prevent tooth loss and what options people have who struggle with it.
Main Causes of Tooth Loss
Tooth loss isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it’s a sign of what’s happening beneath the surface. And in many cases, it’s been happening for years before people realize there’s a problem. As a prosthodontist, I often see patients when their teeth are already past the point of no return.
Often, two of the biggest culprits are neglect and lifestyle.
Neglect includes skipping dental cleanings, brushing only when you remember, or avoiding flossing. Add that to habits like smoking, eating a sugar-heavy diet, or ignoring dental pain—and you're on the fast track to bone loss, gum disease, and eventually, tooth loss.
Another often-overlooked factor? Poor alignment. When teeth aren’t straight, they’re harder to clean. Bacteria build up. Bone starts breaking down. And by the time teeth feel loose? It’s often too late.
Symptoms to Watch For
Tooth loss doesn’t just happen out of the blue. There are red flags. If you notice these signs, don’t wait:
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums or “long” looking teeth
- Chronic bad breath
- Pain when chewing
- Visible tooth movement or shifting
The longer these symptoms go unaddressed, the more bone is lost—and the fewer options will be available.
How to Prevent Tooth Loss at a Young Age
As Dr. J explained in our podcast, prevention starts early. It is ideal for a child to be seen by an orthodontist around the age of six since that is the window to correct misaligned teeth before they get worse.
Early intervention as a child is ideal but it is never too late to get on the path to healthy teeth as an adult. This means regular dental visits, great home oral hygiene practices, and being aware of early signs and symptoms of decay and/or periodontal disease.
What to Do When You Can’t Prevent Tooth Loss
Sometimes, despite our best efforts—or years of dental anxiety—we find ourselves with missing or failing teeth that can’t be restored. Luckily, there are multiple options to restore your smile
Dentures vs. Dental Implants
Dentures are a low cost option but they can move around a lot, cause sore spots, and limit your diet to simple soft foods. In addition, they can accelerate bone loss that leads to a more aged and sunken face.
Alternatively, dental implants go directly into the bone and can help stimulate and maintain bone levels. Dental implants and implant prosthetics (fake teeth) are the industry standard for a permanent solution.
Permanent Teeth in 24 Hours vs. Temporary Dentures
If you’ve heard of “Teeth in a day®”, you may not realize there is a catch. After "Teeth in a day" surgery, you leave with a converted or temporary denture (what some may call “healing teeth” that you must wear for up to 10+ months before you get your final teeth.
At Nuvia, we use advanced technology and a full team approach to ensure patients get permanent teeth in just 24 hours.
No set of healing teeth (temporary teeth). No waiting for months. Just one surgery, one set of permanent teeth, and a whole new way to live.
If you’re curious about cost, you’re not alone. The cost of dental implants is one of the top questions patients have. So, Nuvia has put together the dental implant cost guide that you can get below:
Dental Implant Cost Guide
[Before and After Image]
Consequences of Not Taking Care of Missing Teeth
Let’s talk about what happens if missing teeth are left untreated:
Bone loss: Your upper and lower jaw shrinks without stimulation from having teeth. This leads to facial collapse and makes future dental work more difficult—or in extreme cases impossible.
Poor nutrition: When chewing is painful or ineffective, people sometimes avoid healthy foods like meats, raw vegetables, or nuts. That can lead to weight loss, vitamin deficiencies, and digestive problems.
Digestive strain: Improper chewing means your stomach has to work harder. Over time, this can lead to gut issues, acid reflux, and more.
Mental and emotional impact: People who hide their smile often retreat socially. We see it all the time—patients using beards, makeup, or even not talking to avoid judgment.
Increased risk of disease: Oral infections release bacteria into your bloodstream. Studies have linked gum disease to heart issues, stroke, and even dementia.
What Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Not all dental implant centers are the same. If you're ready to restore your smile, here are some questions you should be asking your provider:
- Will I get temporary or permanent teeth after surgery?
- How many surgeries will I need?
- Who will be doing the surgery—a general dentist or an oral surgeon?
- Is there an anesthesiologist or CRNA present for sedation?
- What material are the final teeth made of?
- How long have you been doing this procedure?
- Can I see before and after photos of your patients?
- What happens if there’s a problem?
And if you have questions about the process, what the teeth are like, or the truth about common questions, visit the the FAQs page.
Some patients wonder about whether or not a gap forms between the gums and their new teeth. While this can happen for some patients, it is no need for worry. A gap can happen when the soft tissue swelling from surgery goes down and the gums settle. If this happens, Nuvia will evaluate your smile at the 4-month checkup and makes any necessary adjustments to ensure your final result fits comfortably and looks great.
Nuvia Dental Implant Center would love to be a part of your dental journey and look forward to helping you regain a confident smile.
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