Losing a tooth can be stressful—whether it happens from decay, injury, or another cause. Your smile suddenly has a gap, and your mouth might feel very differently. On top of these initial concerns, your mouth will start to develop more serious problems if the missing tooth isn’t replaced. This is why our team at Kois Dentistry recommends patients with missing teeth schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible to learn about their replacement options.

Once a tooth is lost, a series of changes start to take place. The longer you go without filling the gap left behind, the more complex of a treatment plan you will likely need to correct these problems. Some of the key issues that result from not replacing a missing tooth include the following:

Crooked teeth:

When a gap remains, the adjacent teeth will start to shift into this space, leading to misalignment.

Difficulty with oral hygiene:

As the surrounding teeth move towards the gap, this can create hard-to-reach areas where plaque forms. As this builds up, you’re more at risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Problems with chewing:

Missing teeth can make it harder to chew certain foods, so you may have to alter your diet as a result.

Jawbone recession:

When teeth go missing, the jawbone isn’t being stimulated and will gradually start to shrink. Over time, this recession can even lead to a change in your face shape.

TMJ disorder:

If the teeth move out of position, this can cause the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to not work properly, leading to jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms.

While these problems can be intimidating, they can be prevented with the right dental solutions. Our dentists offer multiple teeth replacement options to accommodate every need and preference. For replacing an individual tooth, a dental implant is the most lifelike option that offers the greatest benefits. A dental bridge can also be a viable solution. For those with several missing teeth, our dentists may recommend the All-on-4® implant-supported denture or a traditional denture.

To learn which tooth replacement option is ideal for your unique needs, please contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you restore your smile while protecting your oral health for the future.