When a tooth is lost, the effects are not solely limited to the immediate area. There can also be progressive adverse affects to the surrounding and opposing teeth that should be reviewed with a dental professional. When a tooth is lost, whether to an injury or to some type of decay, if the empty space left behind remains empty, the structure of the mouth can begin to shift as a result of the missing tooth.
To start, the immediate area where the tooth is lost, suffers adverse changes in the bone and gum support typically in the form of tissue loss. These changes can spread to the neighboring teeth, resulting in loss of bone support and The teeth that surround the empty area start to invade the vacant space.
Additionally, the tooth opposing the empty space begins to ascend or descend into the space in a process called ‘over eruption’. This then jeopardizes surrounding bone structure in the face and teeth. The progression of alterations in the mouth can lead to issues with the patients bite later on as the teeth gradually become misaligned. Each step in this progression can escalate the severity of holistic damage to the mouth, as well as the measures needed to remedy it.
Talking to a dental professional like Dr. Anthony Leite about your individual situation truly is the best resource to help assess your current dental health and recommend the best treatment to fit your unique tooth loss situation.