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Plaza Dental Group: 1089 Jordan Creek Pkwy #100, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Edentulism: What Is It and the Common Risk Factors

Edentulism: What Is It and the Common Risk Factors


Edentulism is tooth loss that mostly affects older adults. While tooth loss is considered an unavoidable part of the aging process, significant changes in oral disease patterns, poor dental care, and lifestyle changes also contribute to edentulism. 

There are two basic types of edentulism:

1. Partial Edentulism – The loss of one or more teeth.

2. Complete Edentulism – The loss of all teeth.

What Are the Causes of Edentulism?

The factors that contribute to edentulism are:

  • Cavities
  • Gum disease
  • Old fillings
  • Gum recession
  • Smoking and chewing tobacco
  • Teeth grinding
  • Stress
  • Certain medications that lead to dry mouth or affect your gums
  • Age and genetics
  • Certain health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Taking foods that are rich in carbohydrates, sugar, and acid
  • Treatments like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunosuppressive medications

Impact of Edentulism on Oral Health

Tooth loss affects your oral health and leads to:

1. Normal Physiology Modification

Edentulism leads to bone loss, which affects the mandible four times more than the maxilla. Tooth loss can have a significant effect on residual ridge resorption that leads to a reduction in the size of the denture bearing area and the height of the alveolar bone. This further affects the facial appearance and leads to changes in the soft-tissue profile, such as protrusion of the mandibular chin and lip.

2. Impaired Mastication

Partial or complete tooth loss leads to chewing difficulties. This disability can influence the desire to chew, bite, and swallow, which can then harm diet and food selection.

3. Oral Health Deficiency

Tooth loss can be accompanied by sensory and functional deficiencies of the salivary glands, oral musculature, and oral mucosa. It also decreases tissue resistance and regeneration, which impairs the protection function of the oral mucosa.

Edentulism may cause oral dyskinesia, which is referred to as abnormal, purposeless, and involuntary orofacial movements. It is also associated with tardive dyskinesia, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary jaw and face movements.

Impact of Edentulism on General Health

Tooth loss can impact your general health and lead to:

  • Decreased physical activity, quality of life, and daily function
  • Lower intake of vegetables, fiber, fruits, and carotene
  • Increased intake of saturated fats and cholesterol
  • Higher rates of duodenal or peptic ulcers
  • Increased risk of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and chronic kidney disorders
  • Obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, electrocardiographic abnormalities, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, aortic valve sclerosis, and stroke

Options to Replace Missing Teeth

Tooth loss can have a significant impact on your general and oral health, but you can get rid of that by replacing your missing teeth with any one of the following options:

1. Bridges

They are used to replace one or a few missing teeth. They can be easily cleaned and maintained. However, they require the preparation of adjacent teeth and have a higher rate of failure than dental implants.

2. Dentures

They are used to replace some or all missing teeth. Both fixed and removable dentures are available. Fixed dentures are supported by dental implants. Dentures are less expensive, but they are difficult to keep clean and are not stable and efficient like dental implants.

3. Dental Implants

Dental implants are an advantageous option than dentures and bridges. They can be used to replace even a single missing tooth or support bridges or dentures. Implants do not require the preparation of adjacent teeth and are easy to maintain. They will function and look like your natural teeth. Implants can be expensive, but its durability outweighs the cost. Dental implants can last 5 to 8 times longer than bridges and dentures.

Contact Plaza Dental Group if you are looking for a dentist for dental implants in Des Moines

Plaza Dental Group

Plaza Dental Group is a leading group of dentists in Des Moines, IA that provides high-quality dentistry in a comfortable and stress-free environment. We have a team of caring and highly-skilled professionals that uses state-of-the-art technology and delivers excellent service to the patients. Request an appointment today!

12 Tips to Keep Your Dental Clinic Staff Happy

12 Tips to Keep Your Dental Clinic Staff Happy


The key to a successful dental practice is to focus on both the patients’ needs and ensuring that their employees are happy and perform well. A happy employee will work with a full-heart and dedication and bring better results for your practice. During this pandemic period, your employees’ health should be your top priority. Keep them healthy, happy, and motivated. This will reflect the way they treat patients and guarantee increased patient satisfaction. 

Here are some tips to keep your dental office staff happy:

  1. Appreciate
    Recognize and appreciate their talent, efforts, and excellence at work. It ensures high morale amongst all your staff and also increases employee engagement and retention. 
  2. Give Them a Break
    Reward your employees for their better performance with a day off, comp day, or an afternoon off on a day they choose. Close the office on time or an hour early and adjust their schedule as necessary.
  3. Employee Recognition
    Conduct employee recognition programs to appreciate and honor your employees for doing their jobs well. You can choose an employee of the month and present them with an award or gift cards to motivate them to continue performing better.
  4. Food Treats
    Reward your staff with delicious treats. You can bring in bagels on Monday mornings, pizza lunch on Friday, and cake for birthdays. You can host bake-off competitions between employees for baking sweet treats or organize potluck luncheons.
  5. Offer Them Massages
    Your front desk staff may be tired and stressed due to sitting at a computer all day. You could offer them 15-minute massage therapy sessions to relax and refresh them.
  6. Provide Training
    Train your staff on new skills and trends in dental practice management. Have them attend trade shows or conferences to enhance their skills.
  7. Provide the Right Tools
    Provide digital and automated tools for patient scheduling, communication, confirmation, and reminder. This will make their job easier and minimize interruptions and time-consuming paperwork. 
  8. Keep Them Comfortable 
    Provide headsets for phone work, adjustable ergonomic chairs, and other accessories that your front desk staff needs to work for extended hours comfortably
  9. Encourage Companionship 
    Take your team out to lunch, plan a picnic, and gather for after-work happy hours. This will bring your front desk staff, hygienists, and dentists together and build a strong team.
  10. Be Flexible 
    Your office staff cannot work remotely, but you can be flexible with their work schedules. Consider staggering their work schedules and give them time off when they need it for their children’s school events or doctor appointments.
  11. Write a Note
    Surprise your employees by leaving a “Thank-You” note for their hard work. 
  12. Spotlight Them
    Feature a different front desk employee on your website and email newsletter every month. Include their photo and fun facts about them, such as their hobbies, interests, and background. 
    Keeping your staff happy doubles your dental office productivity and ensures long-term success for your practice. 

Plaza Dental Group

Plaza Dental Group is a leading group of dentists in Des Moines, IA that provides high-quality dentistry in a comfortable and stress-free environment. We have a team of caring and highly-skilled professionals that uses state-of-the-art technology and delivers excellent service to the patients. Request an appointment today!

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4.7
Based on 412 reviews
Plaza dental has the most wonderful staff in a dental office that I’ve ever experienced!!!From the lovely receptionist who is always smiling and helpful in every way to the doctors and hygienists who are all very caring and dedicated!I highly recommend this office to everyone!
Susan Snyder
Susan Snyder
I have been going to Dr. Dietrich and Talia my hygenist for a few years now and I feel so comfortable with them. Great care and service. I highly recommend them. Thank you. Maria T P
MT Pa
MT Pa
I've had nothing but great service from Plaza Dental and their staff. Dr. Mohan & Dr. Dietrich are both awesome and so friendly. I've had Invisalign and several crowns replaced - all my decision and they have always done a great job. I've gotten to know several of the hygienist and dental assistants and all are great!!Edit - I now see Dr Odland and he’s so genuine & caring. Great experience!read more
Jessie Port
Jessie Port
Been to many dentist and never wanted to go back because they would make you feel terrible about yourself. Have been going to Plaza Dental for quite some time now and Lacey has always done a fantastic job on my teeth. She’s the best! 100% recommend.
Matthew Valadez
Matthew Valadez
Manny and Dr. Jones were exceedingly kind and patient. I've never had a more "non-traumatic" dental experience. They did a fantastic job of really making me feel cared for.
Samara Vega (Squidgy787)
Samara Vega (Squidgy787)
I feel like I need to give some background. I was having a hard time. A hard time for about three years. In that time I stopped taking care of myself. I just didn’t care anymore. But then, I did some work and decided I want toIn the time I was in a “3-year dark place”, I had stripped away the enamel on my two front teeth. It caused my two front teeth to become easily stained. In a very “lady, what’s goin’ on with your teeth” way. Did I mention I’m in a very customer-facing job?Today, Dr. Odland fixed my teeth.I couldn’t be more proud to smile today. I think I smiled so much others couldn’t help but also smile. It was a good feeling.Thanks doc. And my hygienist. I’m so sorry I didn’t remember, your name. (Abigale, maybe? Good lord I’m so sorry I didn’t remember) You were great! I appreciate you!TLDR: if you need a good dentist, you should go here.read more
Briana Carpenter
Briana Carpenter
Beautiful office with great people providing excellent oral healthcare!If you’re thinking about a dental implant, I recommend Dr. Jeremy Flinkman. I had zero pain when he placed the post into the bone. In three month, I go back to be scanned for measurements for the crown. Do not get a bridge - go with an implant.read more
Kerilyn Conrad
Kerilyn Conrad
Things went very well today. It should make getting the bridge done easier. Today was prep for the Bridge. Very easy and quick. Did not have to bite into a mold. Looking forward to finishing the process.
Chris Refsland
Chris Refsland
I had a great experience with my treatment at this place. They are the most trustworthy and clean team. Their hardwork will pay you off with amazing tooth for sure. I highly recommend this place and a must visit for any of your tooth work ! Thank you !
vijay purna
vijay purna
I needed to have a tooth extracted. Dr. Dietrich was amazing. She kept reassuring me during the process, which I really needed. She worked quickly and efficiently and treated me with respect and kindness. Not a fun process but she helped calm me.
Connie Scharlach
Connie Scharlach
I had the pleasure of working with Talia in my first appointment in years. She made me feel heard emotionally and financially while still being quick and efficient. Couldn’t have asked for a better reintroduction to oral health care.
Leana Bishop
Leana Bishop
Jillian repaired my temporary crown. She is extremely pleasant and very sensitive to her patients. She also is very knowledgeable and has excellent skills in performing her dental procedures. Definitely a 5 + staff member and an asset to the Plaza Dental Group team.
Victoria Arndt
Victoria Arndt
I started going to Plaza Dental group when unsatisfied with my previous provider. My experience has been fantastic. After only one visit the staff knew me by name and remembered small details about my life. They also informed of missing sealants my previous dentist had ignored. Since going for my first visit I have had most of them replaced, as well as a Boost Whitening Treatment from Manny. The staff is excellent, and I would recommend them to even those who don’t have cavities or staining. I fell into that category and have still seen improvement in what most people labeled as a perfect smile.read more
Levi Larson
Levi Larson
I had the best experience I have ever had at the dentist before! I had Becca for my cleaning and she was the absolute best. She was so kind and super cheerful and just an extremely fun person to have clean my teeth. While doing my cleaning, Dr. Jones came in to check my teeth and was super welcoming and made me feel more comfortable than ever, given I hadn’t been to a dentist in quite a few years and made me feel so good about my teeth. Overall, I can’t describe into words how absolutely amazing my experience at Plaza was. I will most definitely be back!read more
Spencer Barnes
Spencer Barnes
I had a great experience with Dr. Jones and Manny. I had several procedures, and they took extra care each time, ensuring my comfort, understanding of the work, and smooth recovery. Great results and professional care. Absolutely recommended.
Eric Thortsen
Eric Thortsen
Everyone at Plaza Dental has been friendly and makes coming to the dentist a positive experience. Currently doing SureSmile aligners and treatment cost has been very affordable! I would recommend Dr. Odland and his team!
Breyonna Peckham
Breyonna Peckham
The hygienist and Dr are excellent. Friendly, thoughtful (what station of music would you like to hear for example) competent.I bounced around a few dentists after mine retired and am glad I found this group. Highly recommended.
Rose Mitchell
Rose Mitchell
I’ve been a patient at Plaza for over a decade. The staff is so friendly, the location is easy to access, and scheduling/rescheduling is simple and convenient. I used to hate going to the dentist but they have helped me feel comfortable with the process and confident with my smile.
Bethany Arganbright
Bethany Arganbright
All staff & dentist were very good, very helpful & they all had very nice personalities. They were knowledgeable & through. Refered me to a surgeon that could maybe help me with implants. Kudos plaza dental
Deb Stineman
Deb Stineman

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1089 Jordan Creek Parkway, Suite 100, West Des Moines, IA 50266

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  • Mon - Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

  • Thursday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sat - Sun Closed

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