When there's a gap in your teeth because of a missing tooth, there's space for bacteria, tartar, and plaque to get into your gum line. This puts you at greater risk of gum disease. Once gum disease sets in, you're at greater risk for some serious medical conditions such as heart disease and stroke.
Left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis, advanced gum disease, putting you in danger of losing more teeth. Gum disease has also been linked to a higher risk of some serious health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, and diabetes.
Your jawbone is at risk
When you lose a tooth, its root no longer stimulates your jawbone and, over time, may lead to bone loss. That loss can even change the structural appearance of your face! Missing teeth can also make you look older. Your cheeks become sunken because of a lack of support from your teeth.
While some may worry more about a highly visible missing tooth (like a front tooth), the serious consequences of a missing tooth — including an increased risk of decay, a negative impact on eating and speaking, and possible bone loss — will impact an individual no matter where the missing tooth is.
It would be best to replace missing teeth as soon as possible to prevent tooth shifting. However, if you have a tooth extracted, it is advised to wait four to six months to have the tooth replaced. All in all, this interval gives your gums time to heal before performing another operation.
There is no time limit on getting dental implants. You could get dental implants throughout your entire life—age doesn't play a role. The only factors about dental implants are whether they will work for your dental goals and whether your jaw can support them.
With modern treatment options, it is never too late to address a missing tooth. Of course, because your smile can be affected by how long a missing tooth goes untreated, sooner is always better than later.
Tooth decay, gum disease, and injury are common causes of missing teeth. Some people are born without certain teeth, and this condition is called congenitally missing teeth. Genetic factors cause congenitally missing teeth and this condition is often seen in generations of a family.
Any number of missing teeth can cause serious oral and overall health issues. Ultimately, tooth loss begets more tooth loss. So, if you have just one missing tooth, it's very likely that more will follow if it isn't replaced.
Edentulous comes to English directly from the Latin word edentulus, which in turn comes from the Latin prefix e-, meaning "missing" or "absent," and the Latin root dent-, meaning "tooth." This root is at work in many familiar English words that relate to teeth, including "dental," "dentist," and "denture." It is also ...
Facial Aesthetics
Your remaining teeth may also shift inside the mouth to harm your facial structure further. But even without affecting your facial features, a missing tooth makes you less attractive. Most people notice your teeth and smile before other facial features.
Overall, a majority of adults have at least one tooth missing, and it grows increasingly common as you age. Naturally, some teeth are more likely to go than others. The most commonly missing are: Wisdom teeth.
They can shift from position, affecting your bite and alignment. Not only does this increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, and TMJ disorders, but also additional tooth loss. Besides your jaw shrinking, your facial tissues won't have the support they need, creating wrinkles and sagging skin.
Around 50% of the population is missing at least 1 tooth, or around 178 million Americans. And 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth.
Dentists may recommend removal in the following circumstances: Dental injury resulting in a cracked or fractured tooth or root. Severe tooth decay. Gum disease.
Crowns: In some cases, an artificial or partial crown is used to repair a broken tooth. This is where a specially crafted piece is made and then bonded to the natural tooth. It is often the best course of treatment for teeth that are still largely intact but need extra protection against further damage.
The most commonly missing teeth are the third molars, mandibular second molars, maxillary permanent lateral incisors, and maxillary second premolars. In contrast, the least commonly missing permanent teeth are the maxillary central incisors, the maxillary and mandibular first molars, and the mandibular canines.
It's so common that up to 20% of all adults are missing at least one tooth! The most common congenitally missing teeth are: The wisdom teeth – these often pesky teeth are the ones all the way in the back of the mouth.
The most common congenitally missing teeth tend to be: Upper lateral incisors – these are the two teeth that sit on either side of your two front teeth. Lower central incisors – these are the two front teeth in the lower jaw. Second premolars – these are the teeth right in front of your molars.
Common Reasons Preventing You from Getting Dental Implants
While dental implants are a popular choice today, there are instances where you may not be able to get them. These reasons include gum disease, jaw bone structure, bruxism, pre-existing health conditions, and poor oral health.
However, if the implant is going in the front of the mouth, some choose to use a temporary tooth to cover the gap. There are several options available for this. You can go with a dental flipper, which is kind of like a temporary denture that has a false tooth attached to it.
Whether or not you've stayed a long time after having your teeth extracted is not a reason not to undergo dental implants. So it doesn't matter the number of years you've spent; 3, 5, 10 or any number of years past, you can still get your dental implant surgery.
Time elapsed is not by itself a reason to eschew dental implants. If you have had teeth extracted 2, 5, 10 or any number of years ago, and have not replaced them since, you may still be a good candidate for dental implants. It primarily comes down to a question of bone density.
Replacing a missing tooth will prevent facial sagging and maintains the structure of your face. You can enjoy your favorite food. When you replace your tooth, you also restore your ability to chew naturally. Your smile and speech are enhanced.