Missing Teeth

If you are missing one or more teeth, you are likely aware of the impact on your appearance, dental health and self-esteem.

Missing teeth can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, create bone loss in your jaw, weaken or shift other teeth, and cause difficulties in chewing or speaking.

Restoring your dental structure improves your appearance and oral health and prevents adjacent teeth from shifting and eliminates the discomfort of a misaligned bite.

Do I have to replace my missing teeth?

The choice is entirely yours, but your dentist will recommend you replace a missing tooth as soon as possible because the gap left by the lost tooth places a strain on your other teeth and your jaw. The teeth on either side of the gap shift out of position which can affect your ability to bite and chew and can even affect your speech. A missing tooth also impacts your facial structure resulting in sunken cheeks and an aged appearance.

What treatments are available to replace a missing tooth?

Generally, your dentist will recommend one of three options depending on the location in your mouth, your oral health, and how many teeth are missing:

• Bridges – this restoration fills the space where one or more teeth are missing.
• Dentures – can replace a few missing teeth or an entire arch of missing teeth.
• Implants – can replace a single tooth, several teeth or support a dental bridge or a full set of dentures.

Can I prevent tooth loss?

The majority of tooth loss is caused by tooth decay and gum disease, which is entirely preventable with a good oral hygiene routine and regular dental hygiene cleanings and check-ups.

If you participate in contact sports, ask your dentist about a customised sports guard to reduce the risk of injury to your mouth.

Consume a well-balanced diet and reduce your consumption of sugary foods.

Discuss all medical conditions and medications with your dentist to minimise the risk of tooth loss.