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

Are you missing one or more teeth? This situation is more common than you think. Missing teeth can be the result of advanced gum disease, severe decay, or injury. And not everyone seeks replacement right away, if at all. 

But here’s the thing: when a tooth is missing, it can affect your whole mouth. Each tooth has a specific place in your jaw, and when even one tooth is gone it can allow the others to shift out of place. Here’s what you need to know about the importance of tooth replacement and your options for prosthetics. 

Immediate Impact of Missing Teeth 

Some aspects of having one or more missing teeth are immediately noticeable: 

• Appearance. Missing teeth that are visible when you smile can affect your appearance, leading to lack of confidence. 
• Chewing difficulties. It may be difficult to chew in the area of the missing tooth, causing you to chew on only one side of your mouth. 
• Speech changes. Even one missing tooth can affect the way you speak, making it more difficult to pronounce certain words and sounds. 

Long-Term Consequences of Not Replacing Missing Teeth 

When you avoid replacing missing teeth over time, the consequences become more severe:

• Bone loss. When a tooth is missing for months or years, the support structures for that tooth begin to deteriorate. The jaw bone will eventually be absorbed by the body, leaving a weak spot in your jaw that can change your facial structure and appearance. 
• Shifting teeth. Your other teeth will gradually shift into the gap, leaving gaps between other teeth and causing overall misalignment. 
• Bite issues. Misaligned teeth can lead to bite issues, where the upper and lower jaws no longer meet together properly, which can damage teeth and lead to TMJ disorder, a painful condition affecting your jaw joint. 
• Increased risk of oral health problems. Tooth decay and gum disease are more likely to occur in the area where there is a missing tooth. 

Replacement Options for Missing Teeth 

You don’t have to live with missing teeth. There are options to replace them and restore the appearance and function of your smile. 

• Dental implants. The highest quality tooth replacement option is dental implants. A dental implant replaces the root of the missing tooth so that the prosthetic is anchored securely in the jaw. It provides a look and function that is as close as possible to your natural teeth. 
• Bridges. A dental bridge can replace one or a few teeth in a row using the healthy teeth on each side of the gap for support. The ends of the bridge are crowns that fit over the existing teeth with one or more artificial teeth connected between them. 
• Dentures. When all of the teeth are missing in the upper or lower jaw, dentures provide a full arch replacement. Traditional dentures attach to the gums with suction or adhesives. Implant supported dentures are anchored in place using 4-6 dental implants placed in the jaw. 

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth in a Timely Manner 

You can avoid the long-term consequences of missing teeth by replacing them as soon as possible. Once bone loss sets in you may not be a candidate for dental implants, at least not without bone grafting to prepare the way. Shifting teeth and bite issues can be prevented, keeping the teeth in proper alignment. 

If you have one or more missing teeth, contact us at Oral Facial Surgery of Orange Park. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss options for replacing your missing teeth in the best way for your needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Missing Teeth 

Does dental insurance cover tooth replacement? 

Dental insurance covers some options for tooth replacement, such as bridges and dentures. However it may not cover dental implants. Contact your insurance provider for specific information about your plan and coverage. 

My missing tooth is in the back, do I still need to replace it? 

Just because your missing tooth is not highly visible doesn’t mean you shouldn’t replace it. Even if a back molar is missing it can allow the other teeth to shift out of place and you will still experience bone loss over time. 

Oral Facial Surgery of Orange Park supports your oral health by creating a personalized treatment plan to meet your specific needs. We provide a wide range of oral surgery procedures in a warm and relaxing environment. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.