Well you have a missing tooth and must have got it extracted because it got decayed or it was moving or simply it broke. But what's the issue ? You have other teeth to function and take care of your chewing and eating. This is the common psychology of the people with missing teeth. But why do dentists recommend replacing it as early as possible? A missing tooth should be replaced as soon as possible as this can affect the overall smile and the whole purpose of teeth that is chewing. A missing tooth though does not do much harm in the initial times but, it may cost you in later stages of your life.
Missing tooth is most common with the age group between 45 years and above and sometimes may be seen in younger individuals also. There are various reasons due to which the tooth are lost, some of them are decayed tooth for which you did not get a root canal treatment done in time and the tooth could not be saved and you had to get it extracted, fractured tooth, trauma due to an accident, sport injuries, gum infections like periodontitis and many other.
On the other hand, reasons for missing teeth can be related to genetic or some debilitating systemic diseases too. Hence, it is important to replace the missing tooth or the patient can face a myriad of problems which can be difficult to treat later or becomes an obstacle for the dentist during treatment.
Each and every tooth in the oral cavity plays an important role. That is why not all the teeth in the mouth look the same. Tooth gone, problem gone, is not the case! Once the tooth is extracted, it just keeps inviting more problems and heavy dental bills. That is why dentists live by the motto of saving the tooh rather than extracting it, because once the permanent tooth is lost, it's gone forever and only an artifiial tooth can replace it.
After the tooth is removed (extracted), it is important to replace that tooth since the teeth besides it may try to overcome the space left by the extracted tooth which is called as physiological migration. These tilted teeth make it hard to maintain hygiene which can lead to tooth decay and further loss of teeth. It also causes problem afterwards as it will be difficult for the dentist to place an implant or give any other alternative treatment option.
Since the opposing tooth from the opposite side of the jaw is missing this can lead to supra-eruption. Supra-eruption is when the tooth tries to overcome the tooth space in the opposite jaw. This can further lead to sensitivity of the tooth that has supra-erupted.
With the improper tooth position the patient have uneven biting force distributed all over the oral cavity, thereby leading to improper occlusion.
Many a times, patient have a tendency to chew from tthe other side of the missing tooth. This can lead to alteration in the biting pattern of the person called biting malocclusion.
The above mentioned altered biting pattern then causes more stress to the other healthy teeth leading to their unwanted wearing of tooth and thereby leading the individual to avoid few foodstuffs which will make them uncomfortable to eat leading to nutrition deficiency.
Continous chewing on one side can lead to TMJ problems which can lead the patient into expensive treatment options.
Our jawbone also plays an important role in holding the tooth in the right way and position. The jawbone needs some stimulation, if the tooth is extracted there is no stimulation which thereby lead to deterioration of the bone. If this takes place, then the height of the jaw bone reduces which in turn makes it difficult for the dentist to place dentures or implants in the oral cavity.
Reduced jaw bone height can lead to extensive treatment plan which will require the dentist to build up the jaw height. this is done by placing artificial bone grafts in the bone to increas the height. Reduced jaw bone also changes the fascial structure which can change the overall look of the individual making them look more old. Sulking and drooping cheeks , wrinkles in and around the mouth, dropping of the corners of the lips etc. Care taken after extraction and immediately replacing the missing tooth saves you alot from all these consequences.
Few individuals may have their upper teeth missing and few lower teeth present. This can lead to something called as COMBINATION SYNDROME . When combination syndrome occurs there can be a change in facial height of the patient due wearing off of the jaw bone. and can further lead to the ill fitting dentures which are delivered by the dentist. Treatment should be done as soon as possible in order to avoid the complication in treatment.
There are different treatment modalities that are available to replace the lost tooth and uplift the facial appearance. Wide range being available from implants to fixed dental bridges to removal dentures. Dental implants are titanium metals which are surgically infused into the jaw area of the missing tooth. Once implants are placed they are not required to be placed again for a few years.
On the other hand if the patient does not want an implant done then bridges are available, they take the support of the adjacent teeth to be placed. Similarly if the patient doesn't want to get an implant or a bridge or if its not possible to fix either of them then denture is the only option available at times. Each treatment option has its pros and cons which should be told in detail to the patient for better treatment outcome.
As it is said a stitch in time saves nine, treating the empty tooth space within time can save a lot of money for the patient. You should feel confident every time you smile, nothing should hold you back from smiling. To replace your missing tooth the dentist comes into picture to overcome this and helps you to regain your natural smile, if you have a missing tooth you can visit to your nearest dentist and get it fixed right away.
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