What Happens If You Don't Replace a Missing Tooth?
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Leaving a missing tooth untreated can affect much more than the appearance of your smile. Over time, tooth loss can lead to jawbone loss, shifting teeth, changes in your bite, and added stress on the surrounding teeth. At Riley Dental in Haslet, TX, Dr. Luke Riley and our caring team offer several options to replace missing teeth, including dental bridges. Take a closer look here at what can happen when a missing tooth is not replaced and how restorative dentistry with a dental bridge can help protect your smile and function.
Do you have to replace missing teeth?
Not every missing tooth causes an immediate problem, but leaving a gap untreated can lead to changes that become harder to correct later. Once a tooth is gone, the bone that supported its root may gradually shrink, and nearby teeth can begin drifting into the open space. Depending on where the tooth or teeth are located, you may also notice changes in chewing or added pressure on the teeth that remain. Problems that can develop after tooth loss include:
- Jawbone loss
- Shifting or tilting teeth
- Changes in your bite
- Difficulty chewing certain foods
- Added wear on nearby teeth
- Food trapping around the open space
- Changes in facial support when multiple teeth are missing
Replacing a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth can help restore function while protecting the alignment and health of the rest of your smile.
When is a bridge used to replace missing teeth?
A dental bridge is often used when one or more teeth are missing in the same area, and there are healthy teeth nearby that can support the restoration. Traditional bridges use crowns, placed on the teeth next to the gap, to hold an artificial tooth or teeth in place between them. This can restore the appearance of the smile, make chewing easier, and help keep neighboring teeth from shifting into the empty space. Dr. Riley and our caring team can evaluate the size and location of the gap, the condition of the surrounding teeth, and your bite to determine whether a bridge is a good fit.
What is an implant-supported bridge?
An implant-supported bridge replaces several missing teeth without relying on natural teeth for support. Instead, dental implants are placed in the jawbone and used to anchor the bridge securely in place. This can be a good option when multiple adjacent teeth are missing because fewer implants may be needed than if each tooth were replaced individually.
Implant-supported bridges can also provide strong chewing support and help preserve bone in the areas where implants are placed. Candidacy depends on factors such as gum health, available jawbone, overall health, and the number and location of the missing teeth.
How long does a dental bridge last?
A dental bridge can last for many years with good oral hygiene and regular dental care, but its lifespan depends on the type of bridge and the health of the teeth or implants supporting it. Brushing and flossing are especially important because plaque can collect around the edges of the bridge and underneath the replacement tooth.
Regular dental exams and cleanings also give our team a chance to check the bridge, supporting teeth, gums, and bite for early signs of wear or other problems. Avoiding habits like chewing ice or biting hard objects can also help protect the restoration and extend its lifespan so you can enjoy a strong, complete, healthy smile over the long term.
Bridge the gap with dental bridges in Haslet, TX
A missing tooth can affect your bite, chewing, and the position of the teeth around it, but a dental bridge can restore the space with a fixed, natural-looking tooth replacement. At Riley Dental in Haslet, TX, Dr. Luke Riley and our caring team can determine whether a traditional or implant-supported bridge fits your needs and explain what to expect from treatment. If you live near Fort Worth or North Richland Hills, contact our team today to schedule a consultation and learn how a dental bridge may help restore your smile and protect your oral health.