It is the question that keeps many patients up at night: “Am I going to lose my teeth?” The reality is that periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, but a diagnosis doesn’t have to be a final sentence for your smile. With the right intervention, your teeth can last a lifetime, even after a diagnosis.
The Timeline of an Untreated Infection
If left completely untreated, periodontal disease follows a predictable and destructive path. In the early stage, known as gingivitis, your teeth are still structurally sound. However, as it transitions into chronic periodontitis, the “how long” depends entirely on the rate of bone loss. Without a comprehensive periodontal exam, the supporting structures can degrade over 5 to 15 years until the teeth become mobile and eventually fall out or require extraction.
Factors That Influence Tooth Longevity
Not everyone loses teeth at the same rate. Several factors dictate how long your teeth will stay put:
The Depth of Gum Pockets: Pockets deeper than 5mm are impossible to clean at home, accelerating bone loss.
Systemic Health: Conditions like diabetes can speed up tissue destruction. We focus heavily on the oral-systemic health connection to manage these risks.
Frequency of Care: Patients who commit to periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months can often keep their natural teeth for decades, even with significant past bone loss.
Can Technology “Reset” the Clock?
In the past, advanced gum disease almost always meant a future of dentures. Today, we have the technology to stop the clock and, in some cases, reverse the damage. LANAP® laser gum surgery is a revolutionary treatment offered at Chula Vista Periodontics that targets bacteria without harming healthy tissue. By disinfecting the pockets and stimulating the body’s natural healing response, we can actually stabilize loose teeth and encourage bone regeneration.
Knowing When to Pivot to Implants
While Dr. Susan Nguyen is a specialist in saving teeth, there comes a point where keeping a severely diseased tooth is actually detrimental to your health. A tooth with “Grade III mobility” can act as a fountain of bacteria for the rest of your mouth. In these cases, a specialist tooth extraction followed by permanent dental implants is the most predictable way to ensure you have a functional, healthy smile for the rest of your life.
Take Control of Your Smile’s Future Today
The “how long” is largely up to you. Whether you are noticing the first signs of bleeding or you have been told your teeth are failing, we can help you create a plan to preserve your smile.
Book Your Periodontal Consultation in Chula Vista or call our office at (619) 425-9770 to schedule your appointment.
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