Tooth loss or missing teeth can occur due to various reasons, including:
Periodontal disease: Commonly known as gum disease, periodontal disease is the most common reason for tooth loss. It is an infection of the supporting structures around the tooth roots, leading to bone loss after many years of chronic infection.
Dental cavities: Also known as tooth decay, dental cavities can progress to a stage where the tooth cannot be functionally restored. Outcomes include bone infections which can sometimes lead to an unfortunate tooth extraction procedure.
Cracked teeth: A common occurrence for many, cracked teeth may often be successfully restored. However, fractures can be complicated and if teeth have cracked in such a way that they cannot be maintained, an extraction may be required.
Trauma: there are a variety of ways teeth may be lost due to trauma, including, sports accidents, root fractures due to failed root canal treatment, defects to the jaw and much more.
Congenital absence: This is a common abnormality where the baby tooth is present without a permanent tooth to replace it. Even though the baby tooth may remain in function for a long time, it will eventually fail due to a loss of root support or dental disease.