Missing teeth or gaps can be the result of tooth loss by gum disease, tooth decay, impact/injury or genetically missing.
A person, who is experiencing a missing tooth, or gaps in the teeth, may or may not be affected by the condition and this can depend largely on where in the mouth the gap(s) is situated.
Gaps or missing teeth can however, impact on the way your mouth can function.
They are designed to work collaboratively, resulting in problems that affect our ability to speak and eat properly if there is a gap. One tooth removed can cause a detrimental effect on the mouth through function, secondary movement of teeth in to the gap and gum problems.
The shape of your face can be altered by gaps or missing teeth, seeing the cheeks becoming sunken or a shift in the natural position of the jaw.
A comprehensive examination with your dentist may advise replacing the tooth (or teeth) that are absent. There will be a few different options open to you, including:
Orthodontic treatment to close the gaps if possible
Dental implants a single tooth or multiple teeth replacement involving a small surgical procedure to place a screw in the gum, which support a crown.
Fixed dental bridge if one or more teeth are missing from the same area then a bridge can be attached to adjacent teeth and bonded in place
Removable partial dentures – if implants or bridgework is not possible then a simple denture can be used to replace the missing teeth, or no treatment may be advised.
Whatever the cause of missing teeth or gaps be it tooth decay, trauma or gum disease an affected person can often lose some self-confidence and experience other related problems.
