Why Missing Teeth Should Be Replaced Sooner Rather than Later

Dentists usually advise patients that it is better to undergo treatment to replace missing teeth as soon as possible after the teeth are lost. There are several reasons for this, more than simple aesthetics.



The effect of missing teeth on an individual’s appearance is often overlooked, but it should not be underestimated. Many patients find that their self-confidence is hugely impacted by the gap left behind after they have lost one or more teeth. Missing teeth are often associated with ageing and people who are lacking a full set of teeth do tend to appear older than they actually are. Not having a full set of healthy teeth can also affect an individual’s ability to eat a healthy and varied diet with many patients preferring to stick to soft foods and purees.



However, missing teeth can also have effects on oral health in the longer term. The gap left behind after the loss of just one tooth can leave other teeth more open to decay since neighbouring teeth will very often tilt and grow into the gaps, creating further gaps into which food debris can become trapped. Teeth on the opposite jaw from the gap or gaps are also at particular risk of ‘over-erupting’ which simply means growing longer than they otherwise would. When this happens, the ‘bite relationship’ or simply the alignment of the two jaws meeting in the middle is affected and the whole bite can be spoiled. The less time teeth are left with a gap to grow into the better the long term prognosis: one of the reasons why it is better to replace missing teeth immediately after loss.



Another problem caused by missing teeth is associated with the jawbone. When the bone in this area is not used to support a tooth, the bone begins to shrink back, effectively dissolving. This problem gets worse as time progresses, meaning it can be prevented through use of dental implants for tooth replacement. As the bone shrinks away it becomes more difficult to chew food properly and the shape of the face changes dramatically. The longer this situation is allowed to continue, the more difficult tooth replacement becomes, another reason to replace missing teeth as soon as possible.



In some cases, teeth may be replaced at the same time as they are extracted, eliminating the waiting time between loss and placement of the new tooth. This is obviously not so easy when tooth is lost suddenly and unexpectedly as with a sporting injury, but seeking treatment to replace the teeth as soon as possible is highly recommended.