You’re eating your favorite candy when suddenly, you feel the slightly wobbly, decaying molar that’s been giving you trouble come out of its socket! First, panic may set in, but once it’s subsided, your next thought may be whether you should even bother to replace it. No one will see it, right? What would be the point? Keep reading to see if there is a reason you should replace your missing back tooth or if it’s ok to leave it empty.
What Can Happen if It Isn’t Replaced?
It can be very tempting to not to replace your missing tooth with an implant, especially when the space is hidden. But not replacing missing teeth, even in the back of your mouth, can result in permanent damage to your smile. The teeth that surround your newly missing molar begin to shift, due to lack of support, and cause your bite to become uneven.
What Are the Best Replacement Options?
Replacing your missing tooth can seem like it could really be the start of a huge problem, but it isn’t as big of an issue as you may be imagining. While an implant is likely the best way to restore your full smile. Why? Because it is implanted into your jawbone, which helps to support your surrounding teeth and prevent bone deterioration. It also returns your ability to eat properly. If you’d rather not get an implant, another option is to get a partial denture. This prosthetic is a removable dental appliance that is held in place with clasps that clip around the surrounding teeth. They also look very natural.
Losing teeth is not only a problem you can have as a child. Studies show that gum disease, decay or dental trauma typically causes the average American adult to lose 12 teeth by age 50. Replacing a missing tooth in the back of your mouth is important to your dental structure. The longer you wait to correct it, the more costly your problem can become. Your best bet is to make a visit to your dentist as soon as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Byars offers every patient who enters his doors personalized, comprehensive dental care in a comfortable environment. In addition to helping patients achieve the healthy smiles they deserve; his goal is to develop long-lasting relationships with them. Dr. Byars achieved his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. He followed this education with the completion of a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency with a focus on implant dentistry and restorative care. This skill set makes him one of very few dentists in Kansas City with residency training in complex restorative treatments. If you’re ready to restore your smile, contact the office at (816) 781-8222 or visit the website to schedule an appointment.