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Missing Tooth
Overview
A missing tooth refers to a situation where a tooth has been lost or extracted from the mouth and has not been replaced. Missing teeth can occur due to a variety of reasons, including injury, decay, gum disease, or congenital conditions.
A missing tooth can lead to a number of problems, including difficulty chewing, speaking, and smiling. The remaining teeth may shift or become crooked, which can lead to bite problems and even jaw pain. Additionally, missing teeth can cause bone loss in the jaw, which can weaken the surrounding teeth and contribute to additional tooth loss.
Causes
Missing teeth can have a variety of causes, including:
- Tooth decay: If tooth decay is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
- Gum disease: Gum disease can cause the gums to recede and the teeth to become loose, eventually leading to tooth loss.
- Trauma: Accidents or injuries that result in a broken or knocked-out tooth can cause tooth loss.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to tooth loss due to genetic factors.
Symptoms
The most obvious symptom of missing teeth is the gap or space where the tooth used to be. Other symptoms can include:
- Difficulty biting and chewing
- Speech difficulties
- Changes in facial structure
- Shifting or drifting of adjacent teeth
- Jaw pain or discomfort
Problems
Untreated missing teeth can lead to a variety of dental and oral health problems, including:
- Shifting teeth: When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth can shift or tilt, causing bite problems and misalignment.
- Jawbone deterioration: The jawbone can deteriorate over time when teeth are missing, which can lead to additional tooth loss and changes in facial structure.
- Gum disease and tooth decay: The spaces left by missing teeth can be more difficult to clean, leading to an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Diagnosis
Our dentist can diagnose missing teeth through a visual examination and x-rays.
Treatment
The treatment for missing teeth depends on the severity of the tooth loss and the patient’s individual needs. Some treatment options include:
- Dental implants: Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. They involve placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which serves as a replacement tooth root, and attaching a crown to the post.
- Bridges: Bridges are a non-surgical option for replacing missing teeth. They involve placing a prosthetic tooth between two crowns, which are attached to the adjacent teeth.
- Dentures: Dentures are a removable option for replacing multiple missing teeth.
Prevention
Preventing missing teeth involves practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. In addition, wearing a mouthguard during sports or other high-risk activities can help prevent dental injuries that can lead to tooth loss.
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missing tooth
Founder, Chairman
BDS, DDS, FICOI (USA)
30+ Years of Experience
Speciality:
Cosmetic Dentistry and Veneers, Smile Design, Implants & Oral Surgery
Senior Associate - Prosthodontics & Implant Restorations
BDS, MDS, PGCOI
10+ Years of Experience
Speciality:
Cosmetic Dentistry and Veneers, Smile Design, Crowns & Bridges, Implant Prosthetics, Full-Mouth Rehabilitation, Geriatric Care
Senior Associate - Periodontist & Oral Implantologist
BDS, MDS – Periodontics & Oral Implants
10+ Years of Experience
Speciality:
Wisdom Tooth Extraction, Gum Related Problems, Dental Implants, Laser Dentistry, Micro Surgery, Flap Surgery, Esthetic Dentistry
Associate Surgeon -
Prosthodontics and Implant Restorations
BDS, MDS - Prosthodontics
4+ Years of Experience
Speciality:
Fixed, Complete and Partial Denture, Dental Veneers, Tooth Filling, Full Mouth Rehabilitation, Fixed and removable Dental Implants, Smile Designing.
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