Leaving a missing tooth unreplaced can end up costing you dearly
Implantologist-periodontist Laura Saksing explains why it's not worth delaying tooth replacement.
When a missing tooth isn’t a noticeable aesthetic issue, replacing it often gets pushed off without a second thought. But a gap in the row of teeth can start affecting the entire bite and, over time, end up requiring far more extensive intervention.
Laura Saksing, an implantologist-periodontist at Meliva’s Maakri dental clinic, notes that people often fail to act in time, particularly when it comes to missing back teeth.
“Because it’s not visible, treatment gets postponed. But the gap can cause other teeth to start shifting: back teeth can tilt forward, upper teeth can shift downward, or uneven gaps can appear between teeth. Missing back teeth can also increase pressure on the front teeth, which can lead to greater movement and changes in their position too. In the end, that shows up as aesthetic problems as well,” Dr Saksing explains.
The longer tooth replacement is delayed, the more complex and costly later treatment becomes. Dr Saksing explains that if the bite changes significantly, orthodontic treatment may become necessary before an implant can even be placed. “To avoid more time-consuming and expensive procedures down the line, it’s worth consulting a doctor about treatment as soon as possible.”
What leads to a tooth being extracted?
Tooth loss most often results from problems caused by cavities, or tooth decay, and inflammation of the supporting tissues — gum disease. “Cavities can lead to infections inside the root, which can then develop into inflammation at the root tip. Root fractures and trauma can also lead to tooth loss,” says Dr Saksing.
If a cavity is too deep, or if treating the above problems isn’t possible or doesn’t give the desired result, the tooth needs to be extracted and replaced. An implant is often the best option for this. Implants are also placed when a person is missing a tooth that never developed in the first place.
The implant placement process and the amount of work required depend heavily on the specific tooth and the condition of the patient’s mouth. “In aesthetically important areas, such as the front teeth, the tooth is replaced immediately wherever possible. Where needed, though, we wait around 3-4 months after extraction to let the tissue heal. Sometimes, if the inflammation is extensive, the wait can be longer. When no additional bone grafting is needed for the implant, integration takes roughly 3-4 months,” Dr Saksing explains.
The dentist pushes back against fears that dental implants might not properly fuse with the bone. “Problems like that are very rare. Longer-term issues with the tissue surrounding implants can also be prevented with proper care and diligent monitoring, and if caught early, they can be treated too. In general, placing an implant is often even less traumatic than extracting a tooth,” Dr Saksing sums up.
Good to know
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium screw that replaces a natural tooth root and is placed into the jawbone. You can’t see it yourself inside your mouth. Placing it requires making an incision in the gum and drilling a socket into the bone, into which the implant is inserted. It then typically takes 3-4 months for the implant to fuse with the bone. After that, a visually natural-looking crown — the part you actually see in your mouth — is attached to it.
Does a dental implant feel like a real, natural tooth?
A tooth replaced with a dental implant feels natural, since it largely looks and functions like your own tooth. Implants generally last a long time in the mouth, but occasional problems can still arise. That’s why it’s important to have implants professionally cleaned and checked at the dentist regularly, just like natural teeth.
How do you care for dental implants?
Oral hygiene matters just as much as it does for natural teeth — good hygiene is what determines how well dental implants hold up over time. While an implant itself can’t develop cavities, it’s still important to see a dentist regularly and have the implant checked. We recommend giving up smoking as early as the implant-planning stage.
