If you lose a tooth toward the front of your mouth, you might be eager to replace it. After all, most people would agree that a noticeable gap is unattractive. But what if your missing tooth is not easily visible? Should you still replace it? Or should you save money and forgo further dental treatment? In the vast majority of cases, you most certainly should replace a missing back tooth. This blog post explains why.
What Could Happen if You Do Not Replace a Missing Back Tooth?
Your molars and premolars are not readily visible when you smile, but they still play a vital role in your mouth’s health and function. Failing to replace a lost back tooth could lead to some very unpleasant consequences, including:
- Jawbone deterioration. Without a tooth root to stimulate it, the jawbone at the site of the lost tooth will start to lose its volume and strength.
- Dental drift. Teeth have a natural capacity for movement. An empty space in your mouth can allow your remaining teeth to slowly drift out of place, which can lead to a misaligned bite.
- Uneven chewing. The back teeth are vital for chewing. If one goes missing, you might always tend to chew on the opposite side of your mouth, which can create uneven wear and tear on your teeth.
- TMJ problems. Your jaw joint, also called the TMJ, is a delicate part of your body. A missing tooth and uneven bite can place stress on it and the surrounding muscles. Significant jaw pain and facial aches could result.
- Additional tooth loss. Very often, tooth loss follows tooth loss. If you are missing a bottom tooth, the tooth directly above it could over-erupt from its socket and potentially even fall out altogether!
How to Replace a Missing Back Tooth
The above information might seem a little scary, but the good news is that if you replace your missing tooth in a timely manner, you may be able to maintain excellent oral health.
Your dentist is likely to recommend that you receive a dental implant, which rebuilds a lost tooth from the root up. It can stimulate the jawbone and help to keep it strong and whole. It also provides a strong bite force and remarkable longevity. Plus, unlike a traditional dental bridge, it does not require that nearby teeth be modified. Really, a dental implant is the next best thing to a natural tooth!
A missing back tooth might not affect your appearance, but it could affect your long-term oral and overall health! Talk to your dentist about how you can fill in the gap ASAP.
Meet the Practice
Here at Wellesley Dental Group, our team of general dentists and specialists is proud to offer comprehensive dental implant treatment. Whether you recently lost a back tooth or have had a gap in your smile for years, we can evaluate the situation and formulate a plan to restore your complete set of teeth. To learn more about us and the tooth replacement solutions we offer, contact our office at 781-691-4914.