Over-eruption

All teeth have a lifetime tendency to erupt(move further into the mouth). Only the presence of an opposing tooth to chew against keeps a tooth from over-erupting.

Tilt and drift

Back teeth also have a lifetime tendency to tilt (lean over) toward the front of the mouth. They also have the potential to drift (move) toward the front of the mouth. If a tooth has been extracted and a space is left, the remaining teeth will tend to tilt and drift forward.

Gum pocket formation

A tilted tooth will develop a gum pocket along its forward root. Gum pockets are narrow, abnormal spaces or clefts that develop between the gum and the tooth root. These pockets trap food debris and bacteria (plaque). this pocket is a problem because you can almost never keep it clean, even with the best brushing and flossing. The debris and bacteria that collect in a pocket lead to worsening inflammation of the gums adjacent to the pocket.

The tooth

When an area of the gum is constantly inflamed, the bone immediately adjacent to it can become inflamed too. Inflamed bone softens, and slowly begins to recede. This process of gum inflammation and loss of the bone holding a tooth is called periodontal disease.

What are the options of replacing missing teeth?

Dental implant

If you’re missing one or more of your teeth and would prefer not to have a bridge or full or partial dentures, you might consider asking your dentist whether you’d be a good candidate for dental implants.

Dental implants provide a more natural tooth replacement than dentures because they’re artificial teeth that are attached directly to the jawbone. To benefit from dental implants, you must be in good health (aside from missing teeth) and have a fully developed and healthy jawbone – healthy gums and a healthy jawbone are needed to support the implants.

If you’re healthy and your dentist determines that you’re a good candidate for implants, he or she will schedule the procedure to take place either at the dentist’s office under local anaesthesia or at a hospital under general anaesthesia, depending on the patient’s particular dental health needs and the amount of surgery that is required.

Dental Bridge

Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

A bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap – these two or more anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth – and a false tooth/teeth in between, called pontics. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Bridges can restore your smile, the ability to chew and speak properly, and to maintain the shape of your face. They also allow the proper distribution of forces in your bite by replacing missing teeth. Bridges prevent teeth from drifting out of position as well as over-erupting.

Partial Dentures

A removable partial denture usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base(acrylic), which is sometimes connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position.

Partial dentures are often used as interim solutions following tooth loss, prior to implant placement. It also requires support from remaining natural teeth in the jaw.

Consult your dentist for the best option to suit your needs.

Keep smiling!