What happens if I don't replace a missing tooth?

Thursday, May 04, 2006

No one really likes to go to the dentist and even more so when they find themselves needing a tooth extraction. Whether the tooth is already missing or needs to be extracted, it is important to replace the missing tooth or teeth as soon as possible. Many people delay replacing the tooth out of fear of the dentist, expense, or they don't see the need to replace the tooth, especially if the tooth is a bicuspid, (premolar), or molar and they feel no one will see it anyway. What many people are not aware of, is that there are problems that may develop, which can lead to lengthy dental visits and costly procedures.

When a tooth is lost, the bone begins to atrophy, (deteriorate), over time and the teeth adjacent to the space will begin to shift or tilt into the empty space. If there is a tooth to the top or the bottom of the empty space, that tooth will continue to erupt because there is no opposing tooth to prevent the tooth from coming out of the gum tissue. The majority of bone atrophy will occur within the first 6 months but will gradually continue for many years. The movement of the adjacent teeth will not happen right away, but will most often become noticeable around 3-5 years. Sometimes movement will be noticeable in less than 3-5 years depending on bone density, your bite, and occlusion, (how well the teeth fit together).

The movement of the teeth can cause gum problems as well as decay in other teeth, which may result in the loss of even more teeth. Whenever teeth are missing, chewing food can become difficult as well as forcing other teeth to work harder, sometimes forcing other teeth that aren't designed for chewing to act as chewing teeth, which in turn causes teeth to become worn or fractured. As a result, more extensive dental work may be needed to repair these teeth. There is also the possibility of needing more teeth extracted. Aside from fractured or worn teeth, TMJ, (jaw joint), problems may develop because the teeth are out of occlusion. Missing teeth, as well as misaligned teeth, can lead to low self esteem, problems with speech, or problems with digestion due to not being able to chew food properly.

There are many options available to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Consult with your dentist as soon as possible to review what options are available and recommended for you.

It is also very important to maintain a healthy diet, a good oral hygiene routine, as well as keep regularly scheduled visits with your dentist. Prevention, early diagnosis, early treatment are the keys in maintaining healthy teeth and gums as well as reducing the need for stressful, lengthy dental visits and costly treatment.