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Diagnoses

Edentulism

Common related diagnoses

It is possible that this diagnosis is part of a larger problem. Treating this condition may not treat the underlying cause. This condition may also lead to other problems. Here are some possible related diagnoses to investigate and talk to your dentist about.

Teeth are usually lost for one of three reasons: Poor oral hygiene, which can lead to extensive tooth decay ("caries") and infection; Periodontal disease ("periodontitis"), which leads to loss of the bone surrounding the teeth; and excessive bite forces, through chronic bruxism.

Teeth may also be cracked from isolated events, like biting down hard on a popcorn kernel. They can be cracked as a result of chronic misuse of the teeth ("factitious habits"); or may be knocked out ("avulsed") from trauma. Loss of multiple teeth can lead to "bite collapse" (also called "loss of vertical dimension of occlusion").

More information on dental diagnoses

Bruxism
Dental diagnosis image: Attrition, bruxism
Bruxism is a chronic habit of clenching or grinding the teeth. Its significance lies in the potential damage the habit can cause to all three elements of the body's...
Caries
Dental diagnosis image: Dental caries, tooth decay, cavities, pit fissure lesion
Dental caries is a bacterial illness believed to be caused by a single strain of bacteria known as Streptococcus mutans...
Cracked teeth
Dental diagnosis image: Cracked tooth
Cracks in teeth range from the obvious, visible fractures to less obvious (frequently invisible) microscopic fractures. Cracks can occur in the crown of the tooth...
Factitious habits
Dental diagnosis image: Dental damage, chipped teeth, biting fingernails, factitious habits
Habitual use of the teeth for purposes other than chewing food is known as a "factitious habit" (or a "parafunction habit"). Examples include...
Loss of vertical dimension of occlusion
Dental diagnosis image: Bite collapse, Loss of vertical dimension of occlusion
Loss of vertical dimension of occlusion ("bite collapse") occurs in one of two situations. In the first, the patient grinds ("bruxes") their teeth so aggressively, and reduces the biting surfaces so extensively...
Periodontitis
Dental diagnosis image: Periodontal disease, systemic health
Untreated gingivitis can progress to the point where the gingival attachment fibers to tooth and bone are lost; and beyond that to the point where bone destruction results. This bacterial illness is called periodontal disease, and is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults...
Poor oral hygiene
Dental diagnosis image: Poor oral hygiene
Failure to remove food debris and bacterial plaque from the teeth and other oral structures leads to gingivitis, tooth decay, and eventually periodontal disease and tooth loss...