Missing Teeth

A missing tooth is often caused by decay or a trauma to the tooth. When the tooth becomes past the point of savable, it has to be extracted, but what do you do to replace the tooth afterward? A large number of people forego treatment and live with the loss. What is one less tooth right? Well here are some effects of tooth loss and why it is not always the best options to leave the space void.

Effects of tooth loss

Tooth loss can cause other problems with the supporting bone and teeth in your mouth. Each tooth is supported by those that surround it, the more teeth you lose the weaker the structure of your overall mouth. Even 1 missing could result in additional tooth loss or injury to other teeth that may worsen over time. Tooth loss can cause problems with eating, aesthetics, and speech. Teeth may shift overtime tipping into the void area where the tooth once was. The opposing tooth may also begin to over erupt over time, exposing the roots which may cause sensitivity or mobility. It can even result in bite problems where the teeth are misaligned and require orthodontics to fix. The bone that surrounds the tooth that was once there begins to degenerate and can cause bone loss to surrounds teeth and gum recession.

• Bone loss

• Recession

• Shifting teeth/over erupted teeth

• Irregular bite

• Difficulty chewing

• Facial Aesthetics

• Speech issues

Options to replace missing teeth

• Partial or complete full mouth denture

• Implants/ implant supported dentures

• Fixed Bridges/resin bonded bridge

• Bone placement

• Flipper- temporary option

Making this decision after consulting your dentist can better help guide you through what is right for you. The option you chose to replace missing teeth depends on many factors including your finances, concerns and goals for treatment.