Importance Of Replacing Missing Teeth

It is not uncommon for us to see patients with missing teeth or recommend that a patient have a tooth extracted. There could be a variety of reasons that a patient is dealing with tooth loss and can range from severe decay to facial trauma or medical complications. No matter the reason for tooth loss, it can be upsetting and traumatic to patients. The first question that we are usually asked is in regards to replacing the tooth and if a tooth replacement option really needs to be chosen. Patients with a visible missing tooth are typically eager to choose a replacement; however, patients who are missing rear molars can show hesitation at times. We encourage all patients to replace their missing teeth as soon as possible.

Reasons to Replace Missing Teeth

Your teeth all work together as a unit and have a specific job. When one tooth is missing, it disrupts the work of the other teeth. Imagine workers on an assembly line. All of the employees are needed for the job to be done correctly. One person missing would disrupt the efficiency of the line, and eventually a problem would ensue. The same is true for a missing tooth. When one tooth is missing, it changes the workload and pressure placed on the surrounding teeth and severe problems may follow, such as:

  • Teeth that shift out of place or turn and rotate
  • Difficulty eating and chewing
  • Faster wear of enamel on teeth
  • Deterioration of the jawbone
  • Change in face shape or drooping facial muscles
  • Change in speech

Tooth Replacement Options

Our team works with each patient to help them understand their tooth replacement options. After a thorough examination, we will recommend the treatment that is best for their lifestyle and needs. We are sure to answer any and all questions so each patient understands the benefits of each tooth replacement option. We may recommend a treatment such as:

If you need to replace a tooth and would like more information about which treatment plan is best for you, please contact our office located in Fort Lee, NJ. We look forward to helping you with your dental needs soon.

Categories: Articles, Dental Implants, Restorative Dentistry