What is the Problem with Missing Teeth?
Many people are surprised to learn that patients over 50 have lost an average of 12 teeth. In addition, more than two thirds of patients who are between 35 and 44 are missing at least one tooth. While it is relatively common for patients to lose a tooth, it can cause serious dental issues and consequences. Tooth loss can have a negative impact on the patient’s overall health and self-esteem. Patients who neglect to replace their missing teeth can experience issues which may include shifting of the remaining teeth or loss of additional teeth.
Below is a summary of the risks and negative side effects which can occur when patients opt against replacing their missing teeth.
Bone Loss
Patients must have healthy bones in order to support and maintain healthy teeth. A strong and healthy jaw bone is required to support the teeth and securely hold them in place. When we chew, it actually helps to stimulate and support the jaw bone. This is just like how we exercise in order to maintain our muscle. When missing teeth are not replaced, there can be a loss of bone in the jaw from the lack of stimulation. The jawbone can actually deteriorate over time and change the structure and appearance of the patient’s face. Missing teeth can allow the surrounding teeth to shift, move and become weak.
Health Concerns
Patients who do replace missing teeth are also at an increased risk for gum disease. When a patient has gum disease, they are prone to many serious dental issues and general health issues. Health concerns associated include with gum disease includes heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer. Missing teeth give bacteria access to enter through the gums. Bacteria then accumulates and causes gum disease. Dental issues associated with gum disease includes loose teeth, tooth loss, and additional bone loss.
Additional Tooth Loss
Patients with missing teeth have an increased risk for losing additional teeth. Patients who have missing teeth which are not replaced have a 30% higher change of losing additional teeth.
Crooked Teeth
Missing teeth can also allow the adjacent teeth to shift into the empty space in the mouth. This shifting can negatively impact the patient’s smile and cause straight teeth to become crooked. Missing teeth also make it difficult to properly clean the teeth and practice good oral hygiene. Crowded teeth are difficult to clean with brushing and flossing at home. This ultimately allows for bacteria to accumulate and causes gum disease.
Bite Issues
Teeth which shift and become crowded due to missing teeth can negatively impact how a patient’s teeth fit together. A poor bite can result in grinding of the teeth or TMJ disorder. These issues can cause damage to the enamel of the teeth, headaches, sensitivity, and other problems.
When missing teeth are not treated, it can result in serious issues. Missing teeth which are not replaced can negatively impact a patient’s dental health, general health, and cause serious problems. It is important for patients with missing teeth to follow up with their dentist to determine which tooth-replacement options may be a good fit. Popular options for replacing missing teeth include dental implants, bridges, and implant-supported dentures. Many of these solutions give patient’s a durable prosthetic tooth which appears and functions similar to the natural teeth.