The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
Losing a tooth isn’t just a cosmetic issue, it can also impact your oral health, overall wellbeing, and day-to-day comfort. Whether it’s due to injury, decay, or other health factors, a missing tooth can lead to more than just a gap in your smile. At Newmarket Family Dental Care, we work with patients to explore replacement options that suit their needs, and ensure their oral health stays on track.
While individual treatment needs vary and should always be assessed by a qualified dental professional, this blog outlines some of the general impacts of missing teeth, and the common replacement options available.
Why Replacing Missing Teeth Matters
A missing tooth might seem like something you can live with, especially if it’s not immediately visible, but the knock-on effects can be significant over time.
These may include:
- Changes to your bite – Nearby teeth can start to shift into the space, affecting how your teeth come together when you bite and chew.
- Increased wear or pressure – Remaining teeth may take on extra load, potentially leading to uneven wear or damage.
- Bone loss in the jaw – Tooth loss can contribute to bone shrinkage in the jaw over time, especially in the area where the tooth is missing.
- Speech changes or chewing difficulty – Depending on the location of the missing tooth, you may notice changes to your speech or eating habits.
- Lowered confidence – Gaps in your smile can impact how you feel about your appearance, particularly in social or professional settings.
Common Tooth Replacement Options
The good news is there are a number of effective solutions to replace missing teeth. Your dentist will be able to discuss which options may suit your individual situation, based on your oral health, budget, and personal preference.
1. Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular long-term option for replacing a single tooth or several teeth. An implant involves placing a small titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a root for a crown or bridge. Once healed, the implant is designed to look, feel, and function like a natural tooth.
Implants can help preserve jawbone density and maintain facial structure, and are often chosen for their durability. However, they may not be suitable for everyone, and a thorough consultation is needed before proceeding.
2. Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is used to fill the gap where a tooth is missing by anchoring a false tooth to the natural teeth on either side. Bridges can be a good option if the surrounding teeth are strong and healthy enough to support the structure.
They’re typically fixed in place and can restore function and appearance relatively quickly.
3. Partial or Full Dentures
Dentures are removable appliances used to replace multiple missing teeth or a full arch. They are custom-made to fit comfortably and can be a cost-effective option, particularly when several teeth are missing.
Modern dentures are designed to be more natural-looking and secure than in the past, and in some cases, can be combined with implants for additional stability.
What’s Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to replacing missing teeth. At Newmarket Family Dental Care, we take the time to understand your unique situation and provide professional guidance based on a full clinical assessment.
As with all dental treatments, it’s important to get personalised advice. If you’re considering tooth replacement or want to understand your options, we recommend booking a consultation to discuss what might work best for you.
We’re here to help you take care of your smile—every step of the way, so get in touch with the friendly team at NFDC via the contact form here.