What is the Cost of You Not Replacing a Missing Tooth?

There are thousands of patients around the United Kingdom who have one or more missing teeth. This is not uncommon, according to Tariq Drabu, the owner of the Langley Dental Practice, in fact most patients don't realise that a missing tooth or a few teeth can have a negative impact on your oral health and your personal experiences.

Tariq Drabu advised that there are numerous reasons why a patient should always consider having their missing tooth replaced if possible. Ideally it won't come to the tooth having to be extracted and possibly the dentist will be able to preserve the tooth for that bit longer. But in the event that you do have to have a tooth extracted, do you know what the cost is?

Confidence

TariqDrabu advised that one of the costs of not replacing a missing tooth is a lack in confidence. Many patients start feeling self-conscious, especially when they have a front tooth missing. This lack of confidence can affect the patient in their business and private life.

Smiles

While a patient may have smiled, showing all their teeth and feeling good about themselves, with a noticeable tooth removed, the same patient can stop showing their teeth when they smile, some even cover their mouths because they are aware that their missing tooth is noticeable.

Bone loss

In addition to personal experiences, Tariq Drabu advised that there are also medical reasons why a patient will want to consider replacing their missing tooth. Bone loss is one of the reasons why a patient should always try and see what alternatives there are rather than leaving them with an open gap. The bone loss can result in sunken cheeks after a while and can make the nearby teeth become unstable.

Speech

When a patient has a front tooth missing, there speech is affected. This is also not uncommon, according to Tariq Drabu where patients will suddenly talking with a slight lisp.

Treatment

Tariq Drabu advised that patients should discuss the options with their dentist before making the final decision to extract the tooth. Many patients are in pain and just want the tooth removed to ease the pain, but there are often alternatives for the patient where the tooth could possible be preserved.

The other option is a dental implant, which is a titanium screw with a crown (false tooth) on top. Over time the bone fuses with the screw to reduce the risk of bone loss.