Why is it important to replace missing teeth?

Have you ever wondered if having teeth extracted is the quickest way to get you out of pain and solve the problem once and for all? Unfortunately the answer is more than often not. Most people feel that replacing a missing tooth is merely for cosmetic purposes and some may feel having back teeth (molars) removed is fine, because it isn't noticeable when you smile.

The loss of multiple teeth or even one tooth can have a number of long term effects on your oral and dental health.

• Once a tooth is extracted, neighbouring and opposite teeth will start to shift to fill in the extra space. Though this process could take years, once this has occurred, it is difficult and generally more complex to resolve.
• This unfavorable shift will cause you to chew on the opposite side of your mouth, which can accelerate wear and tear.
• The additional work these teeth have to do increases the likelihood of cracked teeth, gum issues, tooth decay and jaw pain (Temporomandibular Disorder - TMD).
• Missing teeth without replacement can alter the shape of your face, possibly resulting in a "sunken in and aged" look

Dental pain and difficulty eating can have a significant impact on your quality of life.

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What can I do?

A dental implant replaces the entire tooth which includes the root of the tooth. This new artificial titanium root is extremely strong and allows normal function. A dental implant in place also stimulates natural bone growth whilst preventing the neighbouring teeth from collapsing into the 'missing space'. This aids in maintaining balanced alignment and function.

Those who have lost their teeth many years ago without timely replacement may unfortunately may not be suitable for dental implants, so do not wait too long! Once a tooth has been removed, the bone in that area slowly decreases in volume and density, reducing the suitability of that area for a dental implant. We generally recommend getting a dental implant within 1-2 years after the tooth gets removed.

The last resort!

At Albert Park Dental, our aim is to always save your teeth whenever we can, but unfortunately in situations where extractions are the best course of treatment, we would recommend having replacement of the removed tooth sooner rather than later to avoid the long term concerns discussed earlier in this article.

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