On teeth loss and restoration in a nut shell

Our smile is much more than just our teeth. It can often be a reflection of the physical and mental state of the human body. Dental health is closely linked to our overall well-being and health. Despite the advances in modern dentistry, the abundance of dental care products and information, teeth can probably be safely called the most commonly lost human organs. According to a study conducted several years ago, 30% of adults in Lithuania do not have more than six teeth, and almost 45% of men and women have lost between one and five teeth. It is therefore important to find out why we lose our teeth and how to restore them.

Myths about the causes of tooth loss

It is commonly believed that teeth are lost due to the natural ageing process but the causes are usually simpler. This has been observed by Raimondas Savickas, a Dentist and Orthopaedic Surgeon at a modern prosthetics and implantology clinic in the capital. “Every time a new patient visits our clinic, they start telling us why they think they lost their teeth. However, these beliefs are often far from reality. During the examination, it usually becomes clear that tooth loss was caused by the very same factors related to lifestyle and inadequate dental care. Ironically, it can be stated that we usually lose our teeth because the life we lead is too good. In the past, the diet of most people consisted mainly of unrefined, high-fibre foods that naturally cleaned the surface of the teeth, such as wholemeal flour, vegetables, fruit and seeds, while sweet foods were consumed very rarely. Modern people’s diet is completely different: they often snack on foods high in carbohydrates and do not shy away from sugar and processed foods, as a result crushed food residues constantly accumulate in the oral cavity and bacteria multiply, promoting tooth and gum disease,” says the specialist.

Raimondas Savickas also notes another widespread conviction that teeth are inevitably lost due to poor genetics. “Patients often console themselves by saying that everyone in their family has weak teeth. Yes, it is true that a genetic predisposition to various diseases can be inherited but most oral diseases are caused by microorganisms that feed on food residues that accumulate in the mouth, not because of genetics, but because of poor hygiene. The oral cavity does not have to be sterile, but it is essential to control the amount of bacteria,” reveals the doctor.

Life changes after tooth loss

People who have lost teeth sometimes do not even notice how it changes their daily lives. The first changes appear almost immediately: people avoid socialising with others, stop smiling and laughing openly, and start chewing food only on the side of the mouth where they still have some teeth. However, these are not just minor inconveniences, but also a threat to physical and mental health. Doctor Raimondas Savickas warns about this. “When teeth are lost, the first thing that deteriorates significantly is the ability to chew food as a person has to chew longer, but we often don’t have time for that, so the entire digestive system and the quality of food absorption can suffer. In addition, teeth are part of the vocal apparatus, therefore, losing them impairs the clarity of speech.”

The specialist also says that delaying the restoration of lost teeth for a long time leads to a series of other changes: the entire “alignment” of the teeth is disrupted as adjacent teeth shift into the empty spaces in the mouth, and over time it becomes much more difficult and expensive to restore them. In addition, the interaction between the jawbone and the teeth is disrupted in the place of the lost teeth. With reduced bone stimulation, it begins to deteriorate. Over time, there is no longer adequate support for the lips in the mouth which changes the facial features: the person looks visually older, the cheeks sink and wrinkles become more pronounced. For all these reasons, many patients note that as the number of teeth decreases, so does a person’s self-esteem, we become self-conscious and more withdrawn,” reveals Raimondas Savickas.

The variety of tooth restoration methods

In order to avoid problems associated with tooth loss and maintain good health, it is important to choose the most suitable tooth restoration method for each patient. Raimondas Savickas, a doctor who has been working in the field of prosthetics and implantation for two decades, points out that teeth can be restored in several ways: “The first is removable dentures. This is a low-cost and quick solution but it causes many inconveniences and requires a long adaptation period. Non-removable bridge prostheses are also an option for tooth restoration. They are more comfortable but in order for them to stay in place, the adjacent teeth have to be shaved which shortens their lifespan. In addition, if the adjacent teeth are still healthy, we are, in a sense, violating a fundamental principle of medical ethics: first, do no harm,” says the specialist with many years of experience in prosthetics.

Another option is tooth restoration by means of implants. This is a modern and reliable method that allows one, several or even all teeth to be restored. Using various dental implant treatment methods, missing teeth can be replaced with stable, natural-looking and long-lasting artificial teeth. When asked to name the advantages of tooth restoration with implants, the doctor at the Prosthetics and Implantology Clinic first mentioned two words: conservatism and comfort. “Implant structures are not affected by decay, they make it possible for lost teeth to be restored without damaging adjacent teeth, and patients can enjoy comfort and functionality,” says Raimondas Savickas. The doctor also emphasises that in order for implanted teeth to last for many years, it is essential to avoid repeating mistakes and to take better care of oral hygiene. “Daily care of dentures and implants is usually not particularly difficult, but teeth must be cleaned much more carefully and thoroughly than before they were lost to prevent a “disaster” from happening again. Patients must be taught how to quickly and effectively care for their third “set” of teeth. Regular and high-quality oral hygiene works wonders: it protects against dental diseases, gum and jawbone inflammation, and ensures the longevity of both natural teeth and implants. It is also advisable to have an appointment with a dental hygienist at least several times a year for professional teeth cleaning and a preventive check-up of your natural and prosthetic teeth,” emphasises the doctor.

Dental restoration is much more than just a type of oral treatment. All patients have different problems, doctor Raimondas Savickas therefore believes that one of the key aspects before starting dental restoration is to listen carefully to the patient’s expectations. “At our clinic, we can apply the most modern dental reconstruction methods: aesthetic fillings, implants, all types of prosthetics but we strongly believe that before treatment, it is most important to clearly identify the patient’s needs, which may vary depending on their age, lifestyle, financial resources and priorities. Only then can we find the most suitable solution and give the patient the opportunity to start a new phase of their life, enjoying natural-looking and reliable teeth,” says the specialist.