Missing a Tooth? Think Twice Before Deciding To Leave a Space

Bone loss after tooth extraction

When a tooth cannot be repaired, it must be extracted. Most people agree that if the missing tooth is visible when you smile, it must be replaced with either a dental implant or a dental bridge.  You might not realize that even back teeth should be replaced when they are extracted. 

Each Tooth Is Designed For A Specific Function

Each tooth in your mouth is designed to perform a specific function in order to provide you with the most perfect chewing mechanism possible.  Your front teeth (incisors) are designed to bite into foods.  Your canines are designed for tearing.  For chewing and grinding, your molars are strong enough to take a beating.  

Improper Use Of Your Teeth Causes Damage

When you have one or more missing teeth, you can no longer bite, tear or chew foods the same way you have before.  If you are missing molars, you might start chewing foods with your canines.  Since canines are not designed to chew and grind, they are stressed in ways that can damage them, causing weakening of the tooth, disease and even tooth loss. The same is true for the other teeth in your mouth; molars are not designed to bite, and your front teeth are definitely no good for chewing!

Opposing Teeth Shift When Their Counterpart Is Missing

Unopposed teeth move up out of the jaw bone continually, until they meet an opposing force.  This means that if you are missing an upper molar, the opposing lower molar will begin to move upward out of the lower jaw until it meets with the gum tissue in the upper jaw. This is called supereruption.  When a tooth becomes supererupted, more of the tooth structure is situated above the gumline.  Roots can become exposed and the tooth can become decayed or loose.  In addition, because the tooth moves up out of alignment with the rest of your teeth, your bite changes and none of your teeth come together properly anymore. 

Options For Missing Teeth

Replacing missing teeth is important to your overall dental health.  There are several options to consider.  A partial denture is the least expensive option, although partial dentures are removable and can be cumbersome. A fixed bridge is an option which provides a fixed solution, and is ideal for patients who also require dental crowns on the teeth adjacent to the space.  The most stable, long lasting, and natural feeling solution for a missing tooth is a dental implant.  An implant replaces the entire missing tooth structure, providing a permanent replacement for the missing tooth. Ask Dr.Jack E. Burroughs which option is best for your particular situation.