Replacing a missing tooth should be high on everyone’s priority list. 

Losing a tooth may seem like a cosmetic issue that can be put off “for later,” especially if the now-vacant space is in the back of your mouth. However, once an adult tooth falls out, it kicks off a chain reaction of issues that can affect other teeth, bone structure, gum health, chewing ability, jaw integrity, facial structure, and more. 

Since changes happen gradually and not overnight, patients may require several corrective measures once these issues become uncomfortable enough to seek treatment. 

At Bend Oral Surgery, we’re committed to helping our Central Oregon patients understand the necessity of recommended procedures, and how oral and dental issues, like tooth loss, can affect their health. 

What Happens to Your Mouth After Losing a Tooth?

When you lose a tooth, the body immediately starts working to secure the area. 

Initially, a blood clot forms in the empty socket to protect the nerves and bone underneath. Gums remain sore and mildly swollen around the socket as healing begins. Within a few days, the blood clot is no longer visible as new tissue forms. 

Gradually, more serious changes take place as the mouth adapts to the missing tooth, such as:

• Shrinking jawbone. Teeth roots are connected to the jawbone. When a tooth is missing, the area of the jawbone underneath is no longer stimulated by the roots. Consequently, and shortly after losing a tooth, the width of the jawbone in the localized area begins to shrink.
  
  
• Shifting teeth. Neighboring teeth move into the empty space, and the tooth on the opposite side of the mouth tilts into the gap.
  
  
• Affected bite. Movement of other teeth can impact bite, causing misalignment.
  
  
• Chewing issues. Chewing efficiency may be compromised, such as grinding ability (depending on the location of the gap), and may result in favoring one side of the mouth.
  
  
• Bacteria buildup. A missing tooth creates new areas for food and other debris to become trapped in gums, causing inflammation, discomfort, and other potential issues.
  
  
• Altered facial structure. Teeth give shape to the face and tooth gaps can create a sunken look and cause premature wrinkles, especially if multiple teeth are missing. 

Changes are likely to occur more rapidly, and be more significant, if additional teeth are missing. 

Do You Have to Replace a Tooth Right Away?

Not necessarily, but a consultation is needed to determine the appropriate treatment plan for you. 

Some patients require additional time to heal before replacing the tooth, especially if other procedures, like bone grafting, are needed. Other patients can schedule a replacement sooner. 

What if You’ve Had a Missing Tooth for Years?

It’s never too late to replace a missing tooth, but the process can become more complicated in time. 

The longer a gap persists, the more bone loss occurs in the localized area. The extent of bone loss can determine whether bone grafting is needed to rebuild the bone before a replacement is possible. 

Shifting teeth can also crowd the site over time. Additional treatments may be required to make room for the replacement tooth. 

A thorough consultation is needed to determine the right treatment plan for you. 

What Are Your Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?

There are three major options available for replacing a missing tooth: 

• Dental implants: a long-term tooth replacement that features artificial roots, which are placed into the jawbone to hold the replacement tooth. Over time, the gum grows around the artificial roots, creating a strong anchor. Patients may receive dental implants for a single tooth or several teeth. (Visit our FAQ page to learn more.)
  
  
• Dental bridges: an artificial tooth or row of teeth that replaces the gap by using neighboring teeth as support. Neighboring teeth are prepared and covered with crowns, which are attached to the artificial tooth, called a pontic. 
  
  
• Partial dentures: a removable option that is also considered the most short-term alternative. Partial dentures resemble a retainer, but with artificial teeth attached in the location of the missing tooth (or teeth). Once the retainer is placed, gaps are no longer visible. 

A consultation can determine the most appropriate option for each patient.

Don’t Ignore a Missing Tooth: Schedule a Consultation Today

Even if you are missing a tooth that isn’t visible when you smile or talk, the cosmetic implications are only one of many potential concerns.

Teeth are part of the digestive system and play a role in eating and overall health. Getting your teeth fixed now, as opposed to later, can establish a better foundation for continued dental health. 

If you’re missing a tooth or several teeth, don’t wait for problems to develop before scheduling an appointment. Book a consultation with the team at Bend Oral Surgery, and get started on a treatment plan that’s right for you.