What is the Problem with Missing Teeth?
People lose their natural teeth all the time. In fact, almost two-thirds of US adults are missing at least one permanent tooth. While it may not seem like a big deal to lose a tooth, especially if it’s missing from a less-visible spot at the back of the mouth, it can actually have adverse effects on a person’s overall health, and, the longer a person waits to replace a missing tooth, the more risk there is of problems arising. Besides causing cosmetic concerns, missing teeth can cause problems with the existing teeth, the health of the oral cavity, and even the overall health.
The most immediate concern when a natural tooth falls out or is extracted is bone loss. It is estimated that anywhere from a quarter to a half of the alveolar bone in the jaw is reabsorbed into the body within a year of tooth extraction or tooth loss. When natural teeth are present in the mouth, their roots stimulate the growth and maintain the health of bone tissue during everyday exercises like biting and chewing. When a tooth root is missing, there is nothing present to stimulate the bone, and the body perceives that the bone is no longer needed; it reabsorbs this bone tissue for use elsewhere in the body. Once the bone is resorbed in the area where the tooth is missing, the bone that supports adjacent teeth can also become compromised or weakened. Dental implants can prevent this process and can help to support your jawbone.
Leaving a missing tooth untreated can also increase a patient’s risk of gum disease, which can lead to other health issues and could also cause the loss of more teeth. The risk of gum disease increases in the absence of the natural teeth because of the pocket that remains in the gums when a tooth is lost or removed. This open pocket can easily become an entry point for harmful bacteria to enter the gum tissues, and as bacteria accumulate in the gums, they eventually lead to gum disease. Gum disease is primarily characterized by inflammation of the gums, and, when left untreated, can lead to loose teeth that will eventually fall out and lead to additional bone loss. Studies have indicated that failing to replace a missing tooth will increase the likelihood of losing additional teeth by at least 30 percent.
Losing the natural teeth can also cause the remaining teeth to shift in the mouth and become crowded. This can cause cosmetic issues as well as hygienic issues; when the teeth are crowded, it’s more difficult to clean them effectively, especially in the areas between the teeth. This, in turn, allows bacteria to build up on the teeth and lead to gum disease. Shifting teeth can also change the way the top row and bottom row of teeth meet when you bite down, and this improper bite can encourage clenching or grinding and can damage the enamel on the teeth. Damaged teeth face a greater risk of tooth decay, and people who grind or clench, often report headaches, tooth sensitivity, and TMJ disorder, which can make simple movements and daily tasks painful, if not impossible. Even a single missing tooth can initiate a domino effect that compromises the health and integrity of the remaining teeth and can increase the risk of systemic health concerns, so call your dentist to discuss dental restoration options that might work for you and prevent these larger concerns from arising.