Most of the times people get their tooth removed and fail to get it replaced especially if it is on the back side. This happens because most of the people are unaware of the harmful effects of the vacant space created by the loss of a tooth.

The major problems that occur if missing teeth are not replaced :

I. Losing teeth ?Two for one?
If a molar (back tooth) is extracted in the lower jaw  and not replaced, the tooth opposite to it in the upper jaw loses its function because it no longer has a tooth to chew against. ?Therefore losing one tooth can result in the loss of the use of two ? and so on.

 II. Esthetics -  A missing front tooth looks very bad and adversely effects a person?s smile.

III. Overeruption -If a back tooth is missing the tooth opposite to it tends to over erupt (move further in mouth) into the space created by the void.

IV. Pocket formation and bone loss - Due to over eruption and tilting of the opposite tooth is very difficult to clean the area leading to deposits and inflammation of gums. A space is created between the gums and teeth which is called a pocket. Constant food lodging into the pockets leads to infection and bone loss making the tooth very weak and more prone to decay due to insufficient cleaning.

V. Adjoining teeth tend to move into the space created due to tooth loss. This movement leads to imbalance and loss of proper occlusion. It can further lead to difficultly in chewing, pain in TMJ, headache etc.           

These problem never arise if the missing teeth are replaced immediately. Missing teeth can be replaced by

I) A fixed bridge

II) A removable partial denture or

III) A dental Implants- Tooth in an hour

I) Fixed bridge -In this method the adjacent two teeth of the missing area are reduced in size and covered along with the missing span. This requires unnecessary loss of sound tooth structure.

II) Removable Partial Denture   - A plate is made containing the missing tooth/ or teeth, which takes the support from the gums. It has to be cleaned after every meal, is of removable type and not very difficult to maintain.                     .

 III) Implant (Titanium Metal)  -     This is the latest technique used to replace missing teeth. It is a minor surgical procedure in which a small hole is drilled inside the bone. An implant is placed (screw like structure) and the flap is closed, after 3-4 months an artificial tooth is placed over the implant, which has become a part of the bone and stays life long, No harm comes to the adjoining tooth and the tissues.

Implant can be done immediately after extraction. Now a days artificial tooth made up of ceramic material which is almost of some hardness as of the natural tooth is loaded over  implant immediately.

So if any of one of you have a missing teeth get it replaced right away and enjoy the full functional efficiency of your teeth.