Why Do I Need to Replace My Missing Teeth?

At our Austin, TX dental practice, Dr. Helen Ragsdale’s primary goal is to help patients keep their natural teeth. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. Teeth that are too damaged to repair must be extracted. As a result, there are spaces in the smile. Patients often wonder if it is even necessary to replace a missing tooth, especially if it is only one gap in the back of the mouth. However, with the exception of third molars, we recommend replacing every missing tooth to restore your bite to full function. Here, we will explore all the reasons why replacing missing teeth is important – not only for your appearance, but for your oral health as well. As we will explain in more detail later on, leaving gaps in your smile can cause:

• Shifting, mobility, or further tooth loss
• Chronic jaw pain
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Bone deterioration

Understanding the Anatomy of Your Smile

We don’t often think about all of the elements that make up a healthy smile. However, it is important to understand that all structures – the teeth, gums, jaw joints, and more – work together harmoniously to provide proper function and health. Whenever one of these elements is missing or damaged, it can lead to a domino effect of problems. For example, a balanced bite equalizes pressure across your smile, protecting it from damage. If a tooth is missing, it can place excess pressure on one or more areas, leading to tooth erosion, gum recession, bite issues, and more. Unfortunately, these problems do not improve on their own; they will only worsen with time. Therefore, when you replace missing teeth, you are actually investing in your long-term oral health.

What Happens after Tooth Loss?

When a missing tooth is not replaced, it can cause a wide array of dental concerns. A few of the most common issues that develop following tooth loss include:

• Shifting:When a missing tooth leaves a gap behind, the adjacent teeth will eventually begin to drift out of their appropriate positions to fill the void. This can lead to serious changes in your bite, resulting in crooked teeth and an improper bite.
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD): The teeth help to keep your jaw joints balanced and in alignment. If one or more teeth are missing, the jaw joints can become strained as they try to compensate for the changes in your bite. This can lead to TMD, which can be indicated by chronic jaw pain, headaches, earaches, tinnitus, and facial nerve pain, among other things.
• Tooth decay: When teeth begin to shift out of alignment, it can become more and more difficult to clean them properly. Hard-to-reach areas can harbor cavity-causing bacteria, resulting in tooth decay.
• Gum disease: In addition to causing tooth decay, the accumulation of plaque, tartar, and other irritants can lead to periodontal disease as well. This condition is characterized by red, swollen, bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis will progress into periodontitis, resulting in bone loss, shifting, and in some cases, further tooth loss.
• Bone atrophy: When natural teeth are present, the roots create micromovements when you are chewing. These micromovements stimulate the nerves in the jaw and actively preserve existing bone structure. Once teeth are removed, the jawbone no longer receives signals from the roots. As a result, the supporting jawbone will deteriorate over time. In addition to having a negative impact on your oral health, bone atrophy can also cause noticeable changes to your facial structure. This is why patients who have worn dentures for many years often have a “sunken-in” or hollowed appearance.

Dental Implants to Replace Missing Teeth

There are plenty of options when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Traditional solutions include removable partials or dentures and conventional fixed bridges. However, since the emergence of dental implants, the majority of doctors agree that they are the most reliable and successful replacement option available today. Implants replace the roots of missing teeth. As a result, the nerves in the jawbone are stimulated once again. This process promotes healthy bone tissue and density and prevents further bone loss from occurring. Overall, dental implants are the most conservative option for replacing missing teeth, as they do not require the removal of natural structure. Best of all, with proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime.

In addition, implants are exceptionally versatile in their use. For example, they can support:

• Dental crowns: Patients missing only one tooth can replace it with a single dental implant and crown. This is preferable to a traditional bridge, which requires the removal of natural tooth structure.
• Dental bridges: Similar to their traditional counterparts, implant-supported bridges can replace a row of missing teeth.
• Removable dentures: Traditional dentures can wobble and shift. Dental implants can offer a secure foundation for a prosthesis that will always stay put.
• Fixed full-arch restorations: In the past, dentures were the only option for replacing an arch of missing teeth. These days, full-arch teeth restoration can be permanent. Implants can be used to provide a strong foundation for a fixed prosthesis.

During a consultation at our practice, Dr. Ragsdale can determine if dental implants are right for you.

Contact Our Austin Practice for More Information

Whether you have recently lost a tooth or have been living with missing teeth for years, dental implants can offer you an improved quality of life. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ragsdale, call our Austin, TX office at 512-346-4690.