What Happens If I Don’t Replace Missing Teeth?

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I have opted for my dentist to pull teeth for the last ten years instead of doing root canals and caps. Now I am missing four upper back teeth. All my wisdom teeth are gone, so the two teeth in front of them on both sides of my upper jaw are missing. You cannot tell the teeth are missing unless I hold my head back and laugh. Now that I moved to Massachusetts, I have a new dentist suggesting that I replace my teeth with dental implants. She says I will regret it as I get older if I do not get the implants when my teeth start shifting around. She can already tell from my x-rays that my teeth are moving, and she showed me the x-ray comparison. I’ve had this dentist for three years, and I trust her. But a second opinion is always good. I am not considering dental implants yet. Why not get a dental bridge? What will happen if I don’t replace my missing teeth? Thank you. William from Springfield, MA

William,

Thank you for your question. Your dentist may be persistent, but she seems to be genuinely concerned about your long-term oral health if you do not replace your missing second and third molars.

What Happens If You Don’t Replace Missing Teeth?

If you do not replace missing teeth, it can affect your long-term oral health in these ways:

  • Tooth misalignment – Teeth are placeholders for proper alignment. Gaps in your smile cause teeth to lean against each other and crowd your smile. When teeth are missing, other teeth will begin to drift toward the spaces.
  • Jawbone shrinkage – In areas of missing teeth, the jawbone shrinks 25 percent within the first three months and up to 50 percent within six months. Multiple missing teeth can accelerate facial wrinkles and sagging.
  • Challenge with oral hygiene – It is challenging to brush and floss between teeth that lean on each other. Crowded teeth increase the risk of plaque and tartar buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Why Get Dental Implants?

Dental implant model with the fixture in the bone

A complete dental implants replace a tooth’s roots and crown

A complete dental implant replaces a tooth’s root and crown. The artificial tooth roots fuse with your jawbone and look and feel natural. A dental bridge requires shaving down the tooth on either side of the missing one. But you are missing second and third molar teeth with no teeth behind them to support a bridge. Although a dentist may offer alternative bridge treatment, other teeth will need to support it. The option will be less healthy than individual implants.

We suggest that you discuss your concerns with your dentist and ask for more information on dental implants and what you can expect with or without them in the long term.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist and Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post.

I get a migraine before dental appointments

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Before every dental appointment, I get a migraine headache. I know this is anxiety, but I can’t stop myself from getting headaches. Of course, I can’t drive myself to the dentist either when I have a migraine. This has been going on for 2 years, during which I have only seen a dentist once.  Last week, I saw a dentist for an urgent appointment because my denture broke. The dentist warned me to fix it promptly to avoid an emergency. My anxiety level is over the top, and I cannot think clearly enough to know if I can trust this dentist for a new implant denture or if I need to look elsewhere. Where do I start? Thank you. Aaron from Chicago

Aaron – We suggest that you find a dentist who caters to anxious patients. Find two or three dentists with whom you can schedule a consultation. But ensure the dentists are also skilled with dental implants.

Schedule the consultations without mentioning the kind of dental treatment you need. Explain your anxiety and listen to and watch how each dentist responds to determine which one might be best for your needs.

Diagram of a snap-on denture. The denture is hovering above the jawbone that has two dental implants in it.

Affordable dental implants will secure your dentures

Ask each dentist what they do to help patients relax. If sedation dentistry is available, find out what levels of sedation the dentists offer and what you can expect from each level. If oral conscious sedation is an option, you will be able to take a small amount of anti-anxiety medication before your appointment.

Tell the dentist about your migraines. Depending on the sedation type, you may need to arrange transportation to and from your appointments.  And when you receive implant dentures, you can expect to be sedated for the surgery.

There are ways to help you maintain good oral health and to get the dental care you need. Finding the right dentist to meet your needs will get you back on track.

 

Steven Brooksher, DDS, is a cosmetic and Fellow of implant dentistry in Baton Rouge, LA. Read about his credentials and visit his smile gallery. It will help you determine what to look for in a dentist in your area.