Why replace a missing tooth?

The absence of a tooth has many consequences, and neighbouring teeth are also at risk.

All the teeth in both jaws form a stable whole. Our teeth are held in place by their neighbors, on the left and right, top and bottom.

The loss of a tooth (or edentulism) may seem an insignificant event, especially when it's a single, inconspicuous tooth. But when a tooth is missing, the entire balance of the mouth is disrupted.

A missing tooth is the result of the loss of the root of the tooth in question. This root has been lost as a result of impact, severe decay or periodontal disease (infection of the tooth's supporting tissues) leading to loosening. Root-free restoration is then no longer possible, and extraction becomes necessary. Read more: Periodontal diseases

Consequences for neighbouring and antagonistic teeth (upper and lower teeth)

Nature abhors a vacuum and is constantly seeking to rebalance itself. As a result, within just a few months of extraction, neighboring teeth move, loosen, lose their contact points and lie down until the space occupied by the extracted tooth is almost completely reduced (migration).

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Consequences

Gaps appear between the teeth, with food lodging in these spaces, leading to the formation of food blockages, pain and eventually caries (teeth adjacent to an edentulous tooth are often decayed).

- Gum problems: these gaps, together with the poor position of the teeth, allow plaque and tartar to accumulate.

- Reduced masticatory coefficient: if two teeth, for example, are missing from an arch, this is equivalent to 4 missing teeth in terms of masticatory efficiency, because the antagonist teeth are no longer working.

- The teeth on the other side of the jaw are overworked and become brittle. Such an imbalance of forces can lead to fractures on the other side.

- Disturbed balance of the mouth, with consequences for jaw joints (cracking, popping, protruding, pain, etc.).

- Aesthetic damage: extraction of a back tooth may cause the front teeth to shift, disrupting the smile.

The consequences of not replacing a missing tooth are not insignificant.

So, as soon as possible, have the extracted tooth or teeth replaced. There are many solutions (bridge, implant, braces).

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Our advice

Keep missing teeth to a minimum.

Your practitioner will direct you to the replacement solution best suited to your personal situation.

REF : WEBDENTIST

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