Do I Have to Replace My Extracted Tooth?

By Dr. Michael Handler

For a variety of reasons you may have had a tooth extracted or are missing a tooth. Some people may not see the importance of replacing the tooth or may not see the value in spending more time and money on an artificial replacement. However, for your dental health and to preserve the functionality of your teeth and jaw, it is vital to replace a missing or extracted tooth.

Aesthetic Appearance

Replacing missing teeth is an important part of restoring your confidence in your smile, and it is also key to maintaining dental health and a fully functioning bite. If your missing tooth is in the front, it will affect your confidence while talking and smiling. Besides the appearance aspect of it, when a gap is left by a missing tooth, surrounding teeth have a tendency to shift because that tooth is no longer helping to keep everything in line. Ultimately, teeth may become crooked or new gaps may appear between teeth.

Issues with Bite and Alignment

Missing teeth also cause problems with biting and chewing your food. When one or more teeth are missing, more stress is placed on the remaining teeth and you may not be able to chew properly. There can also be a shift in the alignment of the teeth resulting in a type of malocclusion.

Risk of Bone Loss

Besides the possibility of having a mouth of overgrown or crooked teeth, you are also at risk of bone resorption or bone loss. Without teeth to support that area of your mouth, your gums and jaw bone begin to deteriorate as there is no stimuli. The bone loss will also cause your cheeks and lips to look sunken in, instantly ageing you.

Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Depending on where you are missing a tooth and how many you are missing, there are options available for tooth replacement:

• Dental Implants
• Implant-supported Bridge
• Tooth-supported Bridge
• Removable Partial Dentures

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