Losing a tooth, whether due to decay, trauma or periodontal disease, may seem trivial. However, failing to replace a missing tooth can have significant consequences on oral health and overall appearance. This article, prepared by the dentists at the Center Dentaire Georges in LaSalle, explores the reasons why it is essential to replace missing teeth and reviews some solutions available in the clinic.
To restore to the mouth its full functionality
The primary reason for replacing a missing tooth is to restore essential functions of the mouth. Chewing is directly impacted by the absence of teeth, complicating the consumption of certain foods and thus affecting digestion and nutrition. Additionally, speech may be compromised, especially if several teeth are missing. Teeth play a key role in producing certain sounds and their absence can cause difficulty speaking clearly. These consequences are more serious if the missing teeth are numerous or if they are placed in strategic locations in the mouth.
To preserve the health of the mouth
The second reason is the preservation of oral health. Gaps left by missing teeth can cause several problems:
- Displacement of the roots of teeth surrounding an empty space: Adjacent and corresponding teeth can move to fill the hole, thus disrupting dental alignment. This can also affect the quality of their foundations and lead, in the long term, to their loss.
- Increased risks of infection: Empty spaces are conducive to the accumulation of food debris and bacteria, increasing the risk of infections. Bacteria can also penetrate more easily under the gums and attack the roots or periodontal tissues, particularly the alveolar bone.
- Soft tissue irritation: The gums and oral mucous membranes can be irritated by the edges of the remaining teeth or by the action of bacteria. These consequences are greater in the event of partial or total edentulism.
- Alveolar bone resorption: Lack of stimulation by the roots of the missing tooth(s) can lead to loss of bone mass, weakening the structure of the jaw.
An improvement in the appearance of the smile
Replacing missing teeth also improves the appearance of the smile. Gaps in the teeth can make the face look neglected and aged. When several teeth are missing, the cheek muscles gradually sag, accentuating the signs of aging. Thus, restoring teeth (partially or completely) not only contributes to an aesthetically pleasing smile, but also to an overall more youthful and dynamic appearance.
Replacement options offered in the clinic
To meet the varied needs of our patients, we offer several dental replacement options:
- Dental implants: Durable solution, implants replace the root of the missing tooth and support a crown or prosthesis, which allows them to replace a variable number of teeth.
- Dental prostheses: Adapted to replace several missing teeth, they can be removable or fixed (on implants). There are also partial dentures and complete dentures, better known as dentures.
- Fixed dental bridges: They fill the empty spaces between two healthy teeth. A bridge is in fact made up of a pontic (the replacement tooth) and two crowns fixed on these abutment teeth.
Each option has advantages, and the choice will depend on your individual needs (number and location of missing teeth, general condition, etc.). During the consultation, we will be able to offer the most suitable solution to restore teeth in functional and aesthetic terms. Thus, the professionals at the Georges Dental Center in LaSalle will help you regain healthy and harmonious teeth!