Do I Really Need to Replace a Missing Tooth If No One Can See It?

If you’ve lost a molar (a tooth in the back of your mouth), you may be tempted to not even bother replacing it. After all, getting a bridge or a dental implant can cost a pretty penny. Since no one will even be able to tell that you’re missing a tooth, it’s easy to think that filling the gap is pointless. However, this line of thinking can be dangerous. As we’ll discuss in this post, not replacing a missing back tooth with dental implants in Plano could lead to some serious consequences.

Your Other Teeth May Drift Out of Place

Teeth naturally push against each other. If you have all of your teeth, this isn’t really an issue. When one tooth goes missing, though, the surrounding teeth begin to shift out of their proper positions. Eventually, this dental drift could cause bite alignment issues such as an overbite or underbite. You may also be more likely to grind your teeth, which could wear down or even fracture your remaining teeth.

You Might Have Trouble Eating

Molars are the teeth that are most responsible for chewing food. When one of them is lost, you begin to primarily chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Over time, this places uneven stress on that side of your mouth and increases your risk of those teeth getting cavities.

You Could End Up Looking Older Than You Really Are

Believe it or not, a missing tooth in the back of your mouth could impact your appearance – and not for the better. After a tooth is lost, the part of the jawbone that it once supported begins to deteriorate. The bone may shrink to the point that it can no longer adequately support your facial structures. You face may take on a sunken appearance, and you might experience premature wrinkling and drooping.

The Best Way to Replace a Missing Tooth

A traditional dental bridge can fill the gap in your grin, prevent dental drift, and restore your chewing ability. However, it cannot prevent jawbone loss in the way that a dental implant can. The implant replicates the root of the lost tooth, stimulating the surrounding bone to keep it strong. A beautiful, personalized dental crown is placed on top of the implant to restore the top portion of the tooth.

Even if no one can see your missing tooth, it’s still crucial to your oral health and your appearance that you replace it. Call your dentist and ask if dental implants are right for you.

About the Author

Dr. Bita Kamali has been serving smiles of all ages in Plano, TX and the surrounding communities for two decades at Parkway Vista Dental. She is passionate about continuing education and staying current with the latest dental technology and treatments. By incorporating the most advanced techniques into her office, she’s able to offer the efficient, comfortable, and long-lasting dental care her patients deserve. To find out if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, you can reach Dr. Kamali via her website or at (972) 818-1300.