Please Mind The Gap

Have you lost a tooth in the back of your mouth? Maybe you had to have it pulled for some reason and are wondering what you should do now regarding the gap.

We get asked this question a lot, with some patients wondering why it’s important to replace a “rear” tooth, and the answer may surprise you. Understandably, the question rarely comes up if the missing tooth is in the front part of your smile, the area we call the “aesthetic zone,” since it’s so obvious when you open your mouth. But those back teeth are very important, and there are numerous reasons why you should consider filling in the gap. Here are a few:

• Plaque can gather in the gap of the missing tooth where you might not be brushing or flossing
• There’s going to be more stress on your remaining teeth chewing-wise, causing possible cracks and chips
• Tooth roots help support the bone in your jaw; missing teeth can weaken other surrounding teeth
• Even one missing tooth can cause neighboring teeth to shift into the gap, making it more challenging to brush and floss, thereby increasing risk of decay
• Losing a tooth can increase your risk of losing additional teeth
• In some individuals, the imbalance of lost teeth can lead to TMJ disorders

Dental Implants Are Your Best Solution

A single tooth dental implant provides patients with a permanent answer to a tooth loss due for almost any reason. After developing a custom treatment plan, including the additional, common step of bone grafting if needed, a titanium screw is surgically and strategically positioned in your jaw in a painless procedure that’s relatively quick. A piece called an abutment will connect this implant (which is virtually an artificial tooth root) to a new dental crown that matches your other teeth. The implant will stimulate your jawbone, preventing bone loss. Finally, your new “tooth” will function and feel just like your other teeth and can be cared for in the same way.

Contact our office to explore options for a missing tooth or teeth and to help maintain the appearance, health and function of your smile. You do not need a referral. Interested in learning more? You can read more about missing gaps and dental implants here.