If you lose a back tooth, why replace it when the tooth isn’t visible?
Your teeth are arranged in a carefully balanced configuration to provide proper support and stability. Losing a tooth can start a vicious cycle of ongoing oral and structural problems. Typical oral problems include drifting, shifting, and an increased risk of gum disease and decay.
In a normal, healthy mouth, there is a natural balance of teeth. Each tooth has three or four companion teeth. These include the adjacent teeth on either side as well as upper or lower teeth that meet them. Upper and lower teeth work together to provide comfortable chewing function.
When a tooth is lost, statistics show its the companion tooth that will likely be lost next. Then, the next closest tooth is subjected to the same conditions. With each tooth lost, the problems are magnified and the cycle of tooth loss continues.
The best time to replace missing teeth is immediately after the tooth is lost. During a consultation, your questions will be answered and I’ll explain tooth replacement options so you can select the preferred treatment.