Teeth can fail, loosen, or be lost for several reasons, from trauma to underlying oral health conditions. Understanding these causes helps prevent future tooth loss and protect your overall dental health.

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

Advanced gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss. When plaque and bacteria build up below the gumline, the supporting bone and tissues weaken, causing teeth to loosen and eventually fall out if untreated.

Tooth Decay and Infection

Untreated cavities can lead to severe infection, damaging both the tooth and its surrounding bone. Once a tooth’s structure or root is too compromised, it may fail and require extraction.

Dental Trauma or Accidents

A sudden impact from sports, a fall, or other accidents can cause a tooth to become loose or completely dislodged. Quick action within the first hour can greatly improve the chance of saving the tooth.

Failed Restorations or Root Canals

Older dental work, such as crowns or root canals, can fail over time if decay or infection develops underneath, weakening the treated tooth and its foundation.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Chronic grinding or clenching places excessive stress on teeth, gradually wearing down enamel and contributing to fractures, loosening, and eventual tooth loss.

The warning signs of a failing tooth may develop slowly, but early detection makes treatment more successful.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Loose or shifting teeth
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Swelling or bleeding around the gums
• Bad taste or persistent bad breath
• Sensitivity or throbbing pain near the affected tooth
• Visible gaps or missing teeth

If a tooth has been knocked out, handle it carefully by the crown (top) and avoid touching the root. Keep it moist in milk or saliva and contact our office immediately.

At New Leaf Dental Care, we offer a range of restorative treatments to replace or strengthen compromised teeth and restore full function to your smile.

Dental Implants

A long-lasting and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. Implants replace the tooth root with a titanium post and a lifelike crown, restoring both strength and aesthetics.

Dental Bridges

A bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth using neighboring teeth for support, helping restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably.

Partial or Full Dentures

For patients missing several or all teeth, modern dentures provide an affordable and comfortable way to restore your smile and confidence.

Root Canal Therapy

When infection threatens a tooth but the structure is still savable, root canal treatment can remove the infection and preserve the natural tooth.

Bone Grafting

For patients with bone loss, bone grafting rebuilds and strengthens the jaw to support dental implants or other restorations in the future.

Missing or failing teeth can affect more than just your appearance. Without treatment, surrounding teeth may shift, bone loss can occur, and bite alignment may worsen. Restoring or replacing teeth as soon as possible preserves your oral health, improves chewing and speech, and enhances your overall quality of life.