CONSEQUENCES OF MISSING TEETH

1. Elongated teeth/Supraeruption

Teeth grows out of the bone and gums. They stop growing until meeting the teeth that are also emerging in the opposite arch.

When a tooth is lost and not replaced, it’s opposing partner now has no opposition and begins to move downward. It loses contact with it’s neighbouring teeth on either side.

2. Tipping

When a tooth is lost and not replaced, the bone shrinks in the space and the teeth on either side now have a vacant area in which to tip and move into.

3. Loss of Contact Point between teeth

 The space that was created by the missing tooth causes more spaces to develop as adjacent and opposing teeth begin to move out of their original positions.

All teeth have contact point where the floss pass through with slight resistance. The contact point has to be there to prevent excessive food impaction. These teeth lose contact with their neighbouring teeth and leave spaces into which plaque and food can gather.

4. Bone Loss

Teeth are necessary to maintain healthy jaw bone. When a tooth is removed there is no longer the need for bone and it resorbs away.

Bone loss also occurs due to food impaction caused by loss of contact points between teeth. This will lead to gum disease which is destructive to gums and bones. Bone loss can significantly impact your chances of becoming a good candidate for any future dental implant placement.