What Happens If You Don’t Replace Missing Teeth?
It is relatively common for patients to have missing or broken teeth. When a patient maintains most of their natural teeth, this may not be overly concerning. Some patients chose not to replace their missing teeth or wait a while before replacing them. Missing teeth, however, should be taken seriously and should be promptly replaced. When a patient neglects to replace missing teeth, there can be negative consequences for both their oral and general health. Untreated missing teeth can cause serious consequences and long-term problems.
Partial Dentures and Implant Dentures
In the past, dentures were the main option used to replace teeth which were missing or damaged. Unfortunately, dentures are often bulky, difficult to clean, uncomfortable to wear, and can limit what the patient is able to eat. Modern dentistry has given patients new options which eliminate many of these challenges. The new solutions are extremely secure and closely mimic the function and appearance of the natural teeth. These tooth-replacement options are particularly useful when a patient is missing one or a few teeth.
The most popular tooth-replacement option is dental implants. Implants are extremely secure and most closely mimic the natural teeth in their function and appearance. Properly maintained implants can last for a lifetime. Another excellent tooth-replacement option is implant-supported dentures. This solution can be used when a patient is missing one or multiple teeth. Because the implant for implant-supported dentures is surgically placed in the jaw bone, this is a permanent option. If the dentures need to be removed for any reason, a dentist must remove them. Partial dentures are able to be removed and can fill in the gap which results from missing teeth. They are often created from traditional hard resin or as flexible partial dentures.
When patients do not replace a missing teeth, it can result in serious consequences. Below is a summary of the consequences which can occur when missing teeth remain untreated:
1. Misaligned Teeth: The gaps where the missing teeth are located can allow the remaining natural teeth to shift out of place. This causes misalignment and can make it challenging to clean the teeth.
2. Bone Loss: Missing teeth also fail to stimulate the jawbone which can result in resorption or deterioration. When the bone begins to change, it can also change the appearance of the patient’s face. Implants are an excellent solution for the replacement of missing teeth as the jawbone is stimulated.
3. Remaining Teeth: Unfortunately, the remaining natural teeth can also be impacted when missing teeth are not treated. The remaining natural teeth can begin to move or shift into the gap and the root of the natural teeth can become weak. Sometimes the patient will experience additional tooth loss. Missing teeth which remain untreated can also cause issues with the patient’s bite. The remaining teeth can begin to overcompensate for the missing tooth.
4. Headaches: Patients with missing teeth may avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the missing tooth is located. This can cause uneven use and result in chronic headaches.
5. General Health: Missing and broken teeth make it challenging to eat some types of foods. Foods which are rich in fiber and have good nutritional value can be especially difficult to eat. This can cause deficiencies and negatively impact the overall health of a patient. In severe cases, inadequate nutrition can result in diabetes, heart disease, and other serious issues.
Missing teeth should be promptly treated. Failure to replace a missing tooth can result in serious, long-term consequences. Make an appointment with your dentist right away to discuss your tooth-replacement options.