Edentulism or Missing Teeth as commonly known, is a debilitating and irreversible condition and is described as the 'final marker of disease for oral health'
What are the effects of Edentulism on health? Keep reading to know more!
1) Bone Loss: Bone loss is an ongoing process following tooth loss, affecting the mandible four times more than the maxilla. Edentulism was found to have a significant effect on residual ridge resorption, and subsequently alveolar bone.This reduction affects face height and facial appearance too!
2) Impaired Mastication: This disability could substantially influence the desire to bite, to chew, and to swallow and have a negative impact on diet and food selection. Say goodbye to your favourite meals post losing your teeth!
3) Impaired Oral Health: Edentulism can be accompanied by functional and sensory deficiencies of the oral mucosa, oral musculature, and the salivary glands. Edentulism may also induce an oral dyskinesia, defined as abnormal, involuntary, and purposeless orofacial movement.
4) Effect on General Health:
a) increased risk of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
b) decreased daily function, physical activity, and physical domains of health-related quality of life
c) association between edentulism and sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea
How to replace your missing teeth?
Given below are a list of options:
✓ Dental Implants
✓ Implant supported fixed bridge
✓ Tooth supported fixed bridge
✓ Removable partial dentures
✓ Removable complete dentures