What Happens if I Don’t Replace a Missing or Extracted Tooth?

What Happens if I Don’t Replace a Missing or Extracted Tooth?

As we age, there are a variety of reasons why we may lose a tooth or require having a tooth extracted. Missing a tooth is extremely common, as the American College of Prosthodontists estimates 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and about 40 million Americans are missing their entire set of teeth. The dentists at the office of Dr. Christopher J Fotinos have seen cases of missing teeth due to injury, wear and tear, cancer, and periodontal disease.
Many of our patients have asked what negative repercussions can occur by not replacing missing or extracted teeth, so we wanted to explore and address the health concerns that can arise, as well as the different options and benefits of replacing any missing teeth.

Health Issues & Complications That Can Be Caused by Missing Teeth

All of our teeth serve several purposes, such as helping us chew correctly, proper word pronunciation, and even impacting our physical appearance. Showing off your beautiful smile can be ruined by missing frontal teeth, but even lost posterior teeth can misalign the rest of your teeth and jaw bone, causing long term damage and ramifications. These are some of the common negative effects that can happen when teeth aren’t replaced:

What Are Tooth Replacement Options?

There are several options our office offers for one or several missing teeth. Depending on your particular situation, after an examination, our dentists may recommend:

Dental Implants

Implants are the most reliable and sturdy option in comparison to other tooth replacement options, and they tend to last much longer. Implants will also have the best functionality when replacing teeth. They are also easy to care for, as just like natural teeth they can be treated with regular brushing and flossing.

Dental Bridges

To fill the gap for two or more missing teeth next to each other, bridges consist of two or more dental crowns, which are tooth-shaped caps, and a false tooth that is cemented to the surrounding natural teeth.

Partial or Full Dentures

Dentures are false teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base similar to a retainer. The denture will fit in your mouth snugly and can be removed. Our dental office also offers implant-attached dentures which provide additional support.
Once we assess your current oral health and missing teeth, we can discuss treatment options and help you determine which option will be the best for you. Contact our office today to discuss any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment to replace any missing teeth.