One Life, One Set of Adult Teeth

Once you lose your adult teeth, that’s it. You don’t grow new ones. That is why tooth loss is a big deal. So what causes tooth loss? Are your teeth going to fall out just because you don’t go to the dentist? Directly, no. Indirectly, yes definitely. What makes this true is an unforgiving little thing called periodontal disease. It’s an infection of the teeth, gums, and the bone that surrounds the teeth.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Nearly 80 percent of Americans have gum disease. Over time, bacteria in accumulated plaque deteriorates the gums, bone, and connective tissues until teeth actually fall out or must be removed. Red, swollen, and bleeding gums are signs of a problem and could indicate periodontal disease. However, this is a tricky monster because it can be symptomless in various stages, often going undetected.
Periodontal probes and x-rays are required for the most thorough seek and find mission. At Dr. Jeffrey Allen’s family dental office, our hygienist will measure the depth of pockets between your teeth and gums. Anything deeper than three millimeters is a sign of periodontal disease. Our use of x-rays will show any recession of the jawbone, which further assesses the spread of the disease. Diagnosis is key to preventing permanent damage and tooth loss caused by periodontal disease.
We invite you to get a screening for this sly beast of a disease today. After all, you only have one adult set of teeth, and they are irreplaceable!
An Invitation for Your Family
At our dental office in Pella, Iowa, Dr. Jeffrey Allen provides comfortable dental care to patients of all ages. Call (641) 628-1121 today to schedule a checkup and cleaning, cosmetic consultation, or second-opinion visit. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella. Please see the map for directions.