Do Missing Teeth Have to Be Replaced?

If you’ve lost a tooth, be it due to decay or injury, it has probably had a considerable impact on your life. You might not be able to talk, eat or smile like you used to, and it most certainly will have knocked on your self-confidence. 

But what happens if you don’t replace a missing tooth? You might be worried as to whether you can find affordable dental implants. Replacing missing teeth is far more than making you look better; it’s about protecting your long-term health.

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

The risks of not replacing a missing tooth are clear. Once you have a missing tooth, it can result in many knock-on problems.

• Shifting teeth: Once you have a gap in your mouth, your remaining teeth will start to move into it. This can cause misalignment between your teeth, which will affect your bite. 
• Poor oral hygiene: If your teeth become misaligned due to a missing tooth, it can make it harder for you to clean them. In turn, this can lead to a greater risk of you developing decay and gum disease. 
• Jaw bone loss: You may think your jaw is a permanent structure, but it relies on your teeth to keep it healthy. When a tooth is missing, the bone can start to deteriorate, and the remaining teeth can become affected in time.
• Facial changes: If your face doesn’t have the support of a complete set of teeth, your lips and cheeks can begin to look sunken, and wrinkles can develop. The result is that you’ll probably look a lot older than you are. 
• Headaches: When you have missing teeth, it puts more pressure on your remaining teeth. That means they must work harder, which can increase headaches and joint disorders. 
• Speech problems: If you have missing teeth, you may begin to slur and stutter when you talk. This is due to the tongue not working like it did with a complete set of teeth and can be hugely embarrassing.

So, what happens if you don’t replace a tooth? You can suffer oral health risks and issues, plus a drop in confidence with physical appearance problems.

Options to Replace Missing Teeth

When it comes to missing teeth, you have several options, including dentures and tooth-supported bridges. However, while these treatment options will solve some missing teeth problems, they won’t replace the root structure. 

That means issues like jaw bone loss and facial changes are still likely.

Implant dentistry offers a unique way to replace the root of a missing tooth by placing a titanium post directly into the jawbone. This creates a strong foundation upon which the visible part of a dental implant, usually a porcelain crown, can be placed.

The Many Lifestyle Benefits of Dental Implants

If you replace missing teeth you can return to a more confident, happier you. Dental implants enable you to combat many of the issues that can occur from having missing teeth. They can:

• Stop bone loss in its tracks, as the replacement root will fuse with the jawbone and stimulate growth. 
• With your jawbone restored and your remaining teeth kept in place, you can maintain proper oral hygiene and have a fully restored, attractive and functional smile.
• Boost your confidence by returning your smile to normal.
• Provide lifestyle enhancements, such as biting and chewing your favourite foods as you used to.
• Support clear speech to help in your work and social occasions.

If you have missing teeth, speak to your dental implant dentist about whether implant dentistry is suitable for you. The consequences of not replacing teeth are too serious to ignore. Replace your missing teeth and you can restore your confidence and your smile. 

Book Your Missing Tooth Replacement Assessment

If you still have questions about what happens if missing teeth are not replaced, you can contact our team for answers. Our team offers expertise in replacing missing teeth in Sydney.

You can also claim your free assessment at our friendly, welcoming clinic. Our teams will help you feel right at home, headed by our highly experienced principal dentist Dr. Theo Spyrakis™. Book today and we’ll start your journey towards a happier, more confident you.