What Happens If I Don’t Replace a Missing Tooth?

When kids lose a tooth, it’s cause for excitement. For adults, not so much. Tooth loss does happen, and it’s more common in adults than we think. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 69 percent of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth. Losing a tooth can cause stress and embarrassment. We’re concerned about our smiles, of course. However, tooth loss is much more than a cosmetic issue. It can cause significant oral health problems. Fortunately, restorative dentistry solutions help preserve our smile and protect our oral health when we have a missing tooth.

How Can Tooth Loss Impact My Oral and Overall Health?

Losing a tooth can create significant oral health and other problems. They include:

• Tooth loss can cause problems with eating or speaking. Have you ever changed how you chew because of tooth pain? When we experience tooth loss, we may avoid certain foods. Because of this, tooth loss can lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially in older adults. Tooth loss can also lead to speech challenges, especially when multiple teeth are missing. Speech challenges can make social situations more challenging and impact our emotional health.
• Missing teeth cause your teeth to shift, creating orthodontic problems. When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth move to fill the space. The shift can cause crooked or crowded teeth and create a vicious cycle of tooth decay. It can also impact your bite alignment, affecting how your upper and lower teeth fit together. Overbites, underbites, and alignment issues can cause jaw pain and other problems.
• Tooth loss makes you more vulnerable to gum disease and oral infections. The gums where the tooth is missing and the surrounding teeth are at higher risk of infection, creating a negative cycle and putting you at risk for additional tooth loss.
• Missing teeth can cause bone loss in the jaw. The impact of losing a tooth isn’t limited to the mouth above the gumline. You may experience bone and mineral loss in the area of your jaw where the missing tooth was. Bone loss can cause the shape of your entire face to change, causing a sunken look and the appearance of premature aging.
• Missing teeth can damage self-esteem and impact our mental health. A healthy smile creates confidence.

What Are My Treatment Options for a Missing Tooth?

Replacing a missing tooth benefits your overall oral health and facial bone structure. If you lose a tooth unexpectedly, don’t wait until your next scheduled checkup. Instead, see your dentist right away. If you need a tooth extraction, make a replacement plan with your dentist. Options include:

Dental implants are a trend, offering the look and feel of a natural tooth. One of the upsides of implants is that they replace the root and the tooth, preserving the structure of your jaw.  A dental implant uses an artificial tooth root (usually made from titanium) attached to your jawbone. On top of the artificial root is a crown made to look like a natural tooth.

Dental implants can help you look and feel better and make eating and smiling comfortable again. However, implants tend to be pricier than other restorative options.

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth or teeth attached to the surrounding teeth. Your dentist attaches the bridge to the “anchor” teeth with crowns. Bridges are often covered by dental insurance but usually need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years, while implants can last a lifetime.

Partial or full dentures are the standby for multiple missing teeth. Dentures can replace all your teeth or a few teeth using artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base. Unlike implants and bridges, we take dentures out each night for cleaning. They don’t require the oral surgery we perform to put implants in place. Dentures are often the best and most cost-effective choice when many teeth are missing.

If you experience tooth loss or need to have an extraction, talk with your dentist about the best option for replacing your tooth. At Greenhill Family Dental Care, our dentists are restorative dentistry experts. We’ll consider your oral health history, cosmetic goals, and budget and find the best options for preserving your oral health and maintaining self-confidence with a beautiful, healthy smile.