Tooth loss is a common condition in many people, due to various causes such as tooth decay, accidents, gum disease, etc. Tooth loss greatly affects the chewing and swallowing function as well as aesthetics. What happens if missing teeth aren't replaced? It can cause dangerous complications. Let's learn about safe tooth replacement methods at Champion Dental Clinic.

What happens if missing teeth aren't replaced?

According to dentists, not replacing missing teeth will lead to serious consequences later:

• Greatly affects the eating, chewing and speaking functions. When teeth are lost, it reduces the contact area between the upper and lower jaw, impairing the ability to crush food. It also causes difficulty in pronouncing some words.
• The remaining teeth become loose and shift due to the lack of supporting adjacent teeth. This condition becomes more serious if multiple consecutive teeth are lost.
• The face looks sunken and less aesthetic due to missing teeth.
• The remaining teeth have to withstand greater chewing force leading to wear, and sensitivity to hot and cold.
• Pulp inflammation due to food easily carrying bacteria into the pulp chamber of missing teeth.
• The lower jaw shifts, changing its original position causing facial asymmetry.

Tooth loss without replacement will greatly affect dental and oral health as well as chewing and swallowing functions. That's why doctors recommend replacing lost teeth as soon as possible to avoid complications later.

 

Consequences of not replacing lost teeth

Not replacing lost teeth will lead to consequences such as:

• Impaired chewing and swallowing functions, difficulty eating and speaking. This is especially dangerous for the elderly and children.
• Adjacent teeth become loose, higher risk of losing more teeth. Losing multiple consecutive teeth will severely impair jaw function and swallowing.
• The face becomes sunken, asymmetrical, less aesthetic.
• Diseases of the gums and pulp such as periodontitis, pulpitis are highly likely to occur.
• The tooth socket gradually atrophies and sparsens over time if no tooth remains in that position.
• Food debris accumulation and hollowness of the inner jaw leading to infection.
• The lower jaw shifts causing facial asymmetry and premature aging.

When losing teeth, you should see a dentist for examination and consultation to get timely tooth replacement treatment.

 

Current tooth replacement methods

Today, modern medicine offers many safe and effective tooth replacement methods to help restore chewing, speaking function as well as aesthetics for those with missing teeth. Some common methods:

Dental implants

Dental implants are currently considered the optimal solution to replace missing teeth. With a simple yet highly effective procedure, dental implants provide patients with healthy and natural-looking teeth like real teeth.

Basically, the doctor will insert a titanium implant into the jawbone, replacing the lost root. After 3-6 months, the jawbone will completely integrate with the implant surface with a sturdy structure like natural teeth. This is the crucial osseointegration process.

When the implant is firmly integrated, the doctor will attach a brand new perfect ceramic crown indistinguishable from real teeth by naked eyes. Patients can eat, speak and go on with life as if having a healthy set of real teeth.

Ceramic crowns/veneers

• Ceramic crowns/veneers are made from ceramic material bonded or cemented onto remaining teeth or gum to replace missing teeth.
• Ceramic crowns have the advantage of high aesthetics, durability, insensitivity to hot/cold, and can be done right away without waiting. However, they require tooth reduction and cannot integrate with the bone like real teeth.

Dental bridges

• Dental bridges use metal or ceramic frames to bridge the gap between two teeth on each side of the missing tooth area.
• Bridges help restore chewing function but have lower aesthetics than ceramic crowns or implants. Adjacent teeth need to be shaved down to place bridges, which can be painful and cause sensitivity.

Depending on the tooth loss condition and needs, the dentist will advise the most suitable method for tooth replacement. It's best to visit reputable specialist dentists for examination and optimal treatment selection.

 

Ideal timing for tooth replacement

The earlier tooth replacement is done, the better the results. Doctors recommend replacing teeth immediately or within a short time after tooth loss.

Right after tooth extraction/removal

If the socket is still intact, implants should be placed immediately to maintain the bone in optimal condition. In cases of multiple missing teeth, temporary bridges can be made while waiting for implants after 3-6 months.

Within 3-6 months since tooth loss

If immediate implant placement is not possible, it should be done within this timeframe before bone loss becomes too severe.

After 6 months, the bone starts to gradually atrophy, making implant placement more difficult and complex.

In summary, the longer you wait to replace lost teeth, the more complicated and expensive the treatment gets. Therefore, you should restore missing teeth as soon as possible for best results.

Costs and treatment duration for each method

• Dental implants: $1,500 - $2,000/tooth. Treatment time around 4-6 months.
• Ceramic crowns/veneers: $650 - $1,100/tooth. Can be done in 1 week.
• Dental bridges: $450 - $650/tooth. Can be done in 1-2 weeks.
• Orthodontics: $1,300 - $2,200. Time 1-2 years depending on dental condition.

Costs and time may vary according to each patient’s dental condition. Therefore you should get an examination from the dentist for specific advice.

 

 

>> See more: 8 Quick and Effective Ways to Treat Deep Tooth Pain at Home

Note when not replacing lost teeth

If leaving missing teeth unreplaced, you may encounter the following complications:

• Gum and dental pulp inflammation due to poor oral hygiene.
• Tooth decay and tooth loss spreading to other teeth.
• Deviated bite, temporomandibular joint disorders, pain.
• Sunken, asymmetrical, prematurely aged face.
• Digestive diseases like gastritis, peptic ulcer due to poor diet.

To avoid the above complications, you should get examined and consulted by a dentist to timely replace lost teeth.

Where to get reputable tooth replacement

Champion Dental Clinic is one of the most reputable dental addresses in Ho Chi Minh City.

With a team of excellent, experienced, well-trained specialist dentists, state-of-the-art facilities, Champion Dental Clinic is committed to providing quality tooth replacement services at the most reasonable costs.

Some of Champion Dental Clinic's advantages:

• Modern international-standard equipment system.
• Application of the latest technologies in treatment and tooth replacement.
• Use of only top-quality imported materials and supplies.
• Professional, dedicated dentists.
• International standard treatment procedures, ensuring safety.
• Competitive transparent costs.

If you need tooth replacement after tooth loss, please contact Champion Dental Clinic to get consultation and treatment from top specialist dentists. We are confident to provide excellent tooth replacement services at the most affordable costs.

Hopefully with the above information, readers will have a better overview that helps answer the question "What happens if missing teeth aren't replaced?". If you plan on replacing lost teeth, please contact Champion Dental Clinic - the leading reputable dental address for consultation and treatment by top professional dentists. Wish you to soon have a healthy confident smile with strong teeth!

Champion Dental Clinic

Vietnamese & English: (028) 5411-2295

中文: (028) 5411-2297 172 Nguyen Luong Bang, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.

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