Why Replace Missing Teeth

We know having attractive natural looking teeth help us look and feel our best. It gives us confidence and allows us to enjoy the foods we love. That is why the loss or damage of even a single tooth can have a considerable impact on everyday life and self-esteem. It can change a person’s entire personality. Many people with dental problems avoid smiling and going out, which causes them to appear less sociable, and perhaps even grumpy and unhappy.

Regardless of the aesthetic and psychological reasons, missing teeth should be replaced. Each missing tooth can potentially pose problems to your long-term dental health

as it can ultimately lead to the loss of additional teeth and ultimately a change in your facial appearance over time. The missing tooth can lead to a chain reaction, for example, adjacent teeth can collapse into the gap like dominos, while teeth in the opposing jaw can grow into the gap.

Missing teeth also causes the bone to gradually break down as the bone resorbs and gives patients a sunken face or “witches look”. Missing teeth can affect nutrition and well-being, as the types of food that can be consumed are often limited, hence resulting in deficiencies in vitamins and nutrients. For example, denture wearers often find it difficult to eat nuts, seeds and raw vegetables. Having good dental health makes life easier and more enjoyable in every way.

The images reflect how the bone ridge has collapsed after the tooth was removed and, without stimulation or grafting, the bone and gum have disappeared. The black arrows indicate where bone is now reduced to whereas the red arrow indicate the normal width that should be there.