The True Cost Of Doing Nothing About Missing Teeth

Often the initial reaction for many people with missing teeth is to ignore it, particularly if the tooth isn’t in the smile line. After all, out of sight out of mind, right? However, ignoring a gap in your smile can lead to more than aesthetic issues. Sure, putting off a replacement tooth can save you money in the short term but often the longer-term costs of not addressing missing teeth – both financially and physically – can be far greater.  Let’s delve into the potential consequences of doing nothing about missing teeth and why dental implants may be a better solution.

#1 Bone Loss – The Silent Repercussion

Probably the most serious, yet often overlooked consequence of failing to replace a missing tooth is bone loss in the jaw. The density of the jawbone is maintained by stimulation from the tooth roots. Once a tooth is lost, this stimulation no longer occurs and as a result, the bone in that area of the jaw is gradually resorbed by the body. According to Dental Economics, 50% of alveolar bone dimension can be lost following tooth extraction and two-thirds of this loss of bone volume occurs within the first three months of extraction. Over time, bone loss leads to a sunken appearance that can make you look older than you are. Unfortunately, this process known as atrophy cannot be reversed and may even affect neighboring teeth, causing them to move or loosen.

Unlike other forms of tooth replacement, dental implants replace the entire tooth and its root providing the necessary stimulation to prevent the occurrence of bone loss and maintain facial structures. 

#2 Shifting Teeth – The Domino Effect

Teeth rely on the support of neighboring teeth to keep them securely in place in the jawbone and when a gap is left by a missing tooth, they start to shift toward it. This movement can lead to:

• Misalignment – Misaligned teeth can compromise the bite making it more difficult to chew comfortably and potentially leading to jaw pain
• Higher risk of gum disease – Misaligned teeth are harder to clean and can trap food particles, leading to an accumulation of bacteria and raising the risk of gum disease.
• Increased wear and tear – Misaligned teeth experience more strain when chewing often resulting in chips or cracks and visible enamel wear.

Dental implants prevent the domino effect from happening by filling the gap and keeping neighboring teeth in their correct positions.

#3  Difficulty Chewing and Digestive Problems

Even a single missing tooth can impact your ability to chew. Missing teeth typically means less effective chewing, which in turn, means food isn’t properly broken down before it reaches the stomach. Difficulty chewing can mean avoiding certain foods such as crunchy vegetables, lean meat, and fruit, which are vital for good nutrition.

Dental implants restore bite functionality and remain stable in the mouth so that you can chew properly and enjoy a more varied nutritional diet without discomfort.

#4 Aesthetics and Self-Confidence

Having a gap in your smile can affect your self-esteem and make you feel hesitant about smiling, talking and laughing freely. Numerous studies have shown that people with missing teeth commonly experience a loss of confidence, difficulty in socializing, and feelings of depression. One study, in particular, found that regardless of gender, age, and educational level, tooth loss affected their happiness and quality of life.

Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant not only restores a natural appearance but also provides the confidence to engage socially without feeling self-conscious.

#5 Financial Costs of Future Treatments

Choosing not to replace a missing tooth can cause costs to spiral in the future. Issues like periodontal disease, shifting teeth and misalignment can lead to the need for more extensive and expensive dental treatments further down the road. Orthodontic care, periodontal therapy, and additional restorative treatments may become necessary, often resulting in higher costs than if the tooth were replaced initially.

While a dental implant means a higher initial outlay, with proper care it can last for decades and often longer. In the long term, this can save you money compared to the need to regularly maintain and replace other options such as dentures and bridges.

Why Consider Dental Implants?

Dental implants have become the go-to method of tooth replacement for the following reasons:

• Bone health – Implants stimulate the jawbone and help maintain facial structures so a person retains a more youthful appearance.
• Stability and function – Implants enable you to eat, smile and laugh without the embarrassment or worry of slipping associated with dentures.
• Longevity – With good care, implants can last a patient’s lifetime, unlike bridges or dentures which need regular replacement.

You may also be surprised to learn of 5 activities that are made easier with dental implants.

Regain Your Smile and Oral Health

If you’ve been putting off replacing a missing tooth, now is the time to consider the long-term advantages of dental implants. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several teeth, we provide high-quality dental implant solutions that restore both your smile and your long-term oral health. Our expert team provides personalized care, ensuring a comfortable and seamless implant process from start to finish.

Don’t let the true cost of doing nothing impact your health and confidence. Schedule a free implant consultation with Chesterfield Dentistry today to explore your options for a complete, healthy smile. Let us help you regain your confidence and protect your oral health for the future. Call us at 314 936 3621 or use our online booking system.