What Happens If You Don't Replace a Missing Tooth?

Ignoring a missing tooth? Learn about the hidden consequences, from shifting teeth and bone loss to changes in facial appearance, from your Rochelle Park dentists.

More Than Just a Gap: The Impact of a Missing Tooth

Losing a tooth, whether due to injury, decay, or gum disease, creates an obvious gap in your smile. While the cosmetic concern might be the most immediate worry, the consequences of not replacing a missing tooth extend far beyond aesthetics. At Perfected Smiles in Rochelle Park, NJ, Dr. Jason Schepis and Dr. Ryan Maher emphasize that replacing a missing tooth promptly, ideally with a dental implant, is crucial for maintaining your overall oral health, function, and even facial structure. Ignoring the gap can lead to a cascade of problems over time.

Shifting Teeth and Bite Problems

Your teeth work together as a system. When a tooth is lost, the neighboring teeth naturally start to drift and tilt into the empty space. Additionally, the tooth directly opposite the gap (in the opposing arch) may begin to erupt further out of its socket, seeking its missing partner. This shifting disrupts the harmony of your bite, potentially leading to issues like difficulty chewing, uneven wear on remaining teeth, and even jaw joint problems (TMJ disorders). Replacing the tooth with a dental implant provides the necessary support to keep surrounding teeth stable.

Jawbone Loss and Changes in Facial Appearance

Perhaps the most significant consequence of not replacing a tooth is jawbone deterioration. Natural tooth roots stimulate the jawbone every time you chew, signaling the body to maintain bone density in that area. When a tooth is lost, that stimulation ceases, and the bone begins to resorb or shrink away. This bone loss can weaken the support for adjacent teeth and, over time, lead to visible changes in your facial structure, such as a sunken cheek or collapsed lip profile, making you appear older. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that fuses with the bone and provides this vital stimulation, preventing bone loss.

Increased Risk of Gum Disease and Further Tooth Loss

The gap left by a missing tooth can become a trap for food particles and bacteria, making it harder to clean effectively. This increases the risk of plaque buildup, leading to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and potentially progressing to more severe gum disease (periodontitis) around the adjacent teeth. Furthermore, the added stress and potential bite problems placed on the remaining teeth can increase their risk of fracture, wear, or eventual loss. Addressing the missing tooth promptly helps protect the health of your entire mouth.

Protect Your Health: Replace Missing Teeth Promptly

Ignoring a missing tooth sets off a chain reaction that can negatively impact your smile, function, and overall health. Dental implants NJ offer the most effective way to prevent these consequences. Don't wait for problems to arise. Contact Perfected Smiles in Rochelle Park today to discuss your tooth replacement options with Dr. Schepis or Dr. Maher.

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