A missing tooth might not seem like a big deal, especially if it is not in the front of your mouth. But ignoring it can lead to serious dental problems over time. Teeth are not only for chewing and smiling. They also support each other, keep your bite balanced, and help maintain healthy gums and jawbone. If you have a gap, a Wetaskiwin dentist near you can help prevent these problems with proper treatment.
What Happens If You Don’t Replace a Missing Tooth?
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth and jawbone start to change. Here are some of the common problems
- Shifting Of The Teeth – The teeth near the empty space will shift into the gap, leading to crooked teeth and bite issues.
- Bone loss– With no tooth roots stimulating the jawbone, the bone shrinks with time; the jawbone can and will disappear and alter your facial structure.
- Gum problems– Food and bacteria can accumulate in the gap, leading to increased gum disease potential.
- Chewing – Missing teeth can affect which foods you can eat, which can affect your nutritional status.
- Added stress to other teeth – The other teeth work harder and therefore wear out quicker or fracture.
So, to answer your questions, what would happen if I don’t replace a missing tooth? Your oral health and overall health will be affected!
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Missing Tooth
Missing a tooth should never be ignored. Even if the gap itself does not hurt, it is damaging your dental health. Over time, untreated missing teeth can
- Develop a misaligned bite (malocclusion)
- Provide difficulty in producing clear speech
- Result in you being less confident to smile
- Leaving you at risk for jaw joint pain (TMJ disorder)
That’s the reason dentists always tell their patients to deal with discussing missing tooth replacement as soon as possible.
Options for Missing Teeth
In today’s dentistry world, there are many safe and effective ways to replace missing teeth. The best option will always depend on your level of oral health, finances, and long-term goals. Below are the most common:
| Option | How It Works | Best For |
| Dental Implants | A titanium post is placed in the jawbone and topped with a crown. | Best for permanent, natural-looking replacement. |
| Dental Bridge | A false tooth is anchored by crowns on nearby teeth. | Good for one or two missing teeth in a row. |
| Dentures (Partial/Full) | Removable false teeth that replace several or all missing teeth. | Best for multiple tooth loss. |
Best Options to Replace Missing Teeth
When dentists start discussing the best options to replace missing teeth, the main option will usually be to recommend dental implants in Wetaskiwin, when appropriate. Here’s why:
- Dental implants are like teeth. They will protect the jawbone, restore chewing function, and can last many years if properly cared for.
- Bridges (while stable) require neighbouring teeth for support, which may involve trimming.
- Dentures, while often the most cost-effective and the appropriate option for replacing multiple missing teeth when restoring the full mouth (e.g., multiple missing teeth), still do not feel as secure as dental implants and can slip/fall out.
On your dental visit, your dentist will be examining your mouth and helping you make the best choice.
Missing Tooth Replacement with Dental Implants
Among all solutions, dental implants are considered the gold standard. They provide
- Long-lasting results
- Natural aesthetics and feeling
- Strong chewing force
- Jawbone preservation
Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants, since implants require healthy gums and bone, but a dentist near you can review to see if you are a candidate for an implant.
What to Do if You Have a Missing Tooth
If you have a missing tooth and have not yet taken action, do not wait too long. Here are the steps you should take now:
- Visit your dentist nearby for an exam and X-rays
- Discussoptions for missing teeth that fit your health and budget.
- Choose a treatment plan (implants, bridge, or dentures).
- Follow-up care (regular check-up appointments and rebuilding your oral hygiene routine)
Wrapping Up
A missing tooth is not merely a missing tooth; it affects your oral health and total health. By ignoring it, you will likely create shifting teeth, gum disease, bone loss, and impaired function (ex, chewing). Fortunately, modern dentistry offers great options for missing teeth (e.g. bridges, dentures, and dental implants). If you are still wondering why you should not ignore a missing tooth, the answer is simple: replacing it protects your dental health, your smile, and your self-esteem. Visit a dentist near you today to discover the best options for replacing missing teeth and keeping your mouth healthy.
Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants!
Spring Dental helps patient rejuvenate their smile with safe and effective dental implant. Missing teeth can affect food intake, speech abilities, and oral health. Our team offers trusted options for replacing missing teeth. Call Spring Dental today to schedule your appointment!
