Understandably, patients often feel the need to replace teeth missing from the front of their mouths as they simply don’t like the unsightly gaps in their smile. When teeth go missing at the back of their mouths however, people are sometimes not as inclined to do anything about it – usually because they believe that it is not as necessary to address the problem, feeling that aesthetics are not an issue.
I’ve unfortunately witnessed the consequences of this erroneous way of thinking first-hand. While aesthetics are certainly a valid reason to pursue tooth replacement solutions, there are many other important reasons to replace missing teeth, regardless of where these spaces are in the mouth. Furthermore, while missing teeth at the back of the mouth may not affect one’s appearance initially, over time, they can cause a dramatic change in a person’s appearance.
Bone loss and muscle deterioration
Bone serves a purpose in our mouths. It supporting our teeth. If those teeth disappear, the bone naturally starts deteriorating which in turn can cause muscles to migrate or pull away from their natural position. The end result can significantly distort a person’s facial structure, causing wrinkles, sagging and even collapsing of the entire face.
Compromised diet
Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew certain foods. This can in turn lead to digestive problems or nutritional deficiencies when these foods end up being completely eliminated from an individual’s diet.
Higher risk of decay
Once a tooth goes missing, it is not uncommon for other teeth still in the mouth to start moving around, as they no longer have that tooth that was once in place to act as a support. Overcrowding can then result, leaving teeth vulnerable to cavities and decay as it becomes very difficult to keep them clean and plaque-free.
Grinding, clenching, jaw pain & headaches
A missing tooth can start a chain reaction of moving and shifting that ultimately changes a person’s bite, more often than not for the worse. Malocclusion, or a bad bite, can create all sorts of problems for which there is no simple solution. Teeth can come into harsh contact with each other, causing chips, cracks and improper wear. Clenching, jaw pain and headaches are other common symptoms of a bad or collapsed bite.
Solutions
There are essentially three solutions to approach the problem of missing teeth, and dental technology has made some extremely impressive advances in all of these areas. Implants are the closest thing to your own real teeth and would be considered the most preferred choice by most as they offer the best option for preventing bone loss and gum recession. A bridge can be a very good solution for those who might not be able to afford or may not be candidates for an implant. Finally, a well-made denture can work well as a solution to missing teeth. Your dentist can review all of your options with you and help you arrive at a solution that will work best for your unique circumstances.
Time is of the essence
My advice to anyone with a missing tooth is to consider your options carefully, but not leave it for too long. You’d be amazed at how quickly things in the mouth can shift and change… 40 to 60% of bone loss occurs within the first six months to one year after a tooth is extracted! Acting quickly could save you a lot of grief – and expense – in the long run.
Steven Deskin is a Dentist in general practice.
