Mrs Kamala visited our clinic recently, saying that 15 years ago, her previous dentist had advised her to remove one of her molars, and so she did. Three years later, she started to notice that her teeth were shifting, food was getting stuck, and she was unable to chew her food well. What caused all these problems? Here lies the truth. It was all because of that missing tooth.
Worldwide, 1 in 10 adults has one or more missing teeth. This could be due to dental decay, gum disease, trauma or congenital. Tooth loss can significantly impact oral health, appearance, and overall quality of life. Understanding the causes of missing teeth, the problems that arise when they are not replaced, and the available replacement options can help you make informed decisions about your dental health.
Causes of Missing Teeth
There are several reasons why teeth may be lost.
1. Tooth decay: When cavities are left untreated, the decay can reach deep into the tooth, causing infection and eventually leading to tooth loss.
2. Gum disease (periodontitis): It is another major cause. Advanced gum disease damages the supporting bone and tissues, causing teeth to become loose and fall out.
3. Trauma or injury, such as accidents or sports-related impacts.
4. Congenital absence, where a tooth never develops.
5. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and certain medical conditions like diabetes can further increase the risk of tooth loss.
What happens if missing teeth are not replaced?
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Many people underestimate the consequences of leaving a missing tooth untreated, especially if it is not visible. However, the effects go far beyond appearance.
When a tooth is lost, the adjacent teeth begin to shift into the empty space, leading to misalignment and bite problems leading to difficulty in chewing and uneven pressure on the remaining teeth. This may result in excessive wear, jaw pain, and eventually temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Another serious consequence is bone loss. The jawbone requires stimulation from tooth roots to maintain its strength. When a tooth is missing, the bone in that area gradually shrinks, leading to facial changes such as a sunken or aged appearance.
Missing teeth can affect speech, making certain sounds difficult to pronounce. Chewing efficiency is reduced, leading to poor digestion and avoidance of certain nutritious foods.
Psychologically, tooth loss can impact self-confidence, causing people to avoid smiling or social interactions.
Tooth Replacement Options
Modern dentistry offers several effective solutions to replace missing teeth, each tailored to individual needs.
Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. An implant is a titanium/Zirconia post placed into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. A crown is then fixed on top, providing a natural-looking and long-lasting solution. Implants help preserve bone and do not affect neighbouring teeth. They can be used for both individual or multiple missing teeth.
Fixed dental bridges are another option, especially when one or two teeth are missing. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as support and fills the gap with an artificial tooth. While bridges restore function and appearance, they require the shaping of neighbouring healthy teeth.
Removable partial dentures are a more economical option for replacing missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth attached to a metal or acrylic framework and can be removed for cleaning.
For individuals missing all teeth, complete dentures and implant-supported dentures are some of the options available.
So don’t let a missing tooth be the cause of you missing all your teeth. Ask your dentist which option suits you best.
Shina Kurian and Jonathan Rao are dentists based in Bengaluru, with a love for preventive & comprehensive dentistry.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
