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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 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!

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4.6
Based on 453 reviews
Always make it a pleasant experience. Going to the dentist is never a lot of fun, but they are all so nice and welcoming. The level of service is top notch. Carley and Dr. Dietrich are the best!
Tanner Smart
Tanner Smart
Talia is the best! Always personable and goes the extra mile to get add’l information so I’m able to make informed decisions. Thanks for everything Talia!!
Sharon Quint-Strange
Sharon Quint-Strange
They got me in quickly and listened to all of my needs and my concerns because of past experiences. I am a unique (and probably more annoying) patient because I have trigeminal neuralgia. They were patient with me and constantly checked on my pain level/comfort during my procedure. Can not tell you how much that means to me!! I have plenty more procedures to go to get everything where it needs to be healthwise but I am confident they will be just as helpful and patient the next time. Thank yall!!!read more
Erin Gasparovich
Erin Gasparovich
Time for my routine cleaning! I met Lacey on a previous visit and know that she listens, and is very caring while working on my teeth. Great job today Lacey! Thank you for being extra concerned about my tender spots! We will work on those! You are such a kind, considering hygienist!
Kathy Marek
Kathy Marek
Dr. Ryan Langel has given me a new lease on life with the amazing transformation he has made on my teeth. He really is a magician and such a perfectionist. My top teeth were discolored and weak from years of use. Being older, I doubted if I could ever have strong, white teeth and a vibrant smile again. I now have a very beautiful smile and am so grateful to Dr. Langel and his stuff. And the process was painless and quick. Thank you, Plaza Dentistry.read more
Robert Thomson
Robert Thomson
I’ve received excellent, courteous care. Very professional staff who function well as a team. If never had a more pleasant experience at a dental office. Lacey is excellent. I can highly recommend them.
Loren Fligg
Loren Fligg
This dental office is great! Everyone is comforting and easy to talk with! My hygienist was super! My next visit will be at the new location in urbandale, Iowa!!
Judd Bristow
Judd Bristow
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
Dr Odland is the best dentist in iowa. Susie has really helped me with my dental issues. She is great and caring. Dr Langel is doing a great job just like dr odland.
Darlene Raedeker
Darlene Raedeker
Dr Dietrich and Karly are a wonderful team!! Prompt..professional and do amazing work!! They made me so happy with my temps..cant wait to see my permanent teeth!!Had my last appointment today..if you are looking for a cosmetic dentist..look no further!! Dr Dietrick is the best!! Professional and meticulous yet fun and personable..I love my veneers! She changed my smile and my life!! If you are thinking about getting any work done go get a free consultation!! You won't regret it☺️read more
Valerie Williams
Valerie Williams
Everyone I've dealt in the office are friendly, knowledgeable, and they explained everything very well. The atmosphere was very relaxed. Definitely recommend!
Allie Whitver
Allie Whitver
I am always happy to see my regular Hygienist, Talia and Dentist, Dr.Dietrich. Talia is my most favorite person in Plaza dental group👍💕
Lulu
Lulu
I have had three different hygienists at this office and they were all wonderful! My doctor left and now I am seeing Dr. Jones and he seems quite knowledgeable. I find him super nice!
Betty Baum-Ferree
Betty Baum-Ferree

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

Opening Hours

  • 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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