before and after several implants

Missing Teeth? Problematic Signs Patients Shouldn’t Ignore

We’re the go-to dentists in Sussex for patients needing life-like prosthetics and restorative implant dentistry to renew and complete their smile.

However, patients need to know that replacing their missing teeth is more than just restoring the smile’s balance and aesthetics and that by ignoring gaps, several consequences await that cannot be reversed.

The consequences of missing teeth and tooth loss

As restorative, prosthetic dentists who deal with complex missing teeth cases daily, we’ve seen first-hand the damage and havoc missing teeth can cause to wider oral health.

In as little as six months, we’ve seen several negative effects like bone loss develop, especially in cases where patients have lost their teeth to gum disease and decay.

But the negative effects don’t start and end with bone loss.

Edentulism, which refers to the loss of permanent teeth, leads to major changes that can contribute to a poorer quality of life, for example, impaired mastication, denture trauma, resorption, negative self-perception, speech and eating ability.

The long list of problems missing teeth cause:

  • Gum loses natural protection from debris
  • Higher risk of gum disease developing
  • Reduction to jaw bone density
  • Inflamed, receding gums and tooth loss
  • Pressure is put on the surrounding teeth to bear the weight
  • The bite is affected and subject to change

dental implant before and after image

Three options to replace missing teeth

  • Dental implant treatments for single, multiple and total tooth loss
  • Dental bridges to bridge the gap between two neighbouring teeth
  • Partial or complete dentures

The cost to replace missing teeth

Make your treatment more affordable with 0% finance if cost is a worry.

dental implant finance offer

What missing teeth treatment you choose matters

We can replace missing teeth in several ways, but most of these treatments do not treat the underlying problems that tooth loss causes.

For example, prosthetics like bridges and dentures, whilst not valued for their aesthetic appeal, are to restore aesthetics and function. But they do not stop bone loss or facial sagging because there’s nothing there to support the bone.

Dental implants are mostly the pricey solution because they are truly a permanent solution to replace missing teeth – and even though aesthetics-wise they mimic natural teeth well, they actually function just like natural teeth would.

Dental implants are titanium screws implanted into the jawbone, preventing the bone in the area from breaking down, making them the only prosthetic on the market to preserve oral health and bone.

dental exam photo

Why preserving the bone is important

Almost all missing teeth patients experience bone loss

What people can’t see usually doesn’t phase them, but we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t educate you on the importance of preserving your jawbone. Once bone begins to deplete or recede, it cannot return – it’s a permanent loss.

Bone loss (atrophy) and missing teeth can cause:

  • Other teeth shift and move
  • Facial sagging, thinning of the lips and premature wrinkling
  • Difficulty eating and speaking
  • Facial, haw pain and headaches
  • Sinus expansion and facial collapse
  • Further tooth loss

The only way to stop and reverse bone loss in the jaw

  • Replace missing teeth as soon as you lose them
  • Bone grafting and sinus lift procedures to restore mass

dentist and hygienist

Stop and think about your future

Some patients understandably don’t want to replace their missing teeth – at least not straight away, which might be down to finances or feeling like there’s no true need.

They’ll often consider dental implants later in life because they are an option. However, patients must know that conventional dental implant treatment might not be possible later down the line if they ignore missing teeth.

Dental implants need enough bone to anchor into, and without it, they will fail – and no reputable missing teeth dentist would place a dental implant when there’s not a good amount of bone to support it.

So, your only option later down the line is to undergo bone graft procedures to restore the bone, which will be an additional cost, an extra procedure and a longer healing period, which might mean you’ll have to wait up to 12 months to have an implant placed.

The only way you’ll be able to avoid a bone graft and receive implants is with advanced procedures like All-on-4, which treat total tooth loss and replace missing teeth the same day.

However, All-on-4 comes at a big cost – all of which you might have been able to avoid if you got dental implants way back when.

Mary Whitby
Mary Whitby
2023-07-12
Always 5⭐️
Summer Knox
Summer Knox
2023-07-06
Had such a good experience with my Invisalign at The Smile Gallery. Very friendly and professional staff. Would definitely recommend.
Roselle George
Roselle George
2023-06-12
Dr. Esen and Olivia were extremely gentle on me. I'm a big baby! Dr. Esen numbed my gum and I felt nothing more while she filled the upper tooth. Thank you.
Catharine Crowson
Catharine Crowson
2023-05-05
So pleased I went to the Smile Gallery. I’ve had two veneers done with them as well as my usual check ups. Can’t fault them!
Jerónimo Berruezo
Jerónimo Berruezo
2023-04-21
Fantastic work and such nice people. You guys are amazing and we will be back for more work. My family loved being here
Tia Michael
Tia Michael
2023-04-21
Just want to say a MASSIVE thank you too Dr Rahul and Nicole. I was in yesterday for composite bonding and I’m over the moon with my new teeth. Dr Rahul listened to exactly what I wanted and I couldn’t be happier. Both Nicole and Rahul were so kind and reassuring💕would recommend to anyone ☺️
Simon Elias
Simon Elias
2023-03-30
Great place, very attentive.
steve millington
steve millington
2023-03-25
Excellent team, very friendly and caring.
Anna lueocy
Anna lueocy
2023-03-14
East Grinstead - The dentists are lovely here! I will definitely be returning.
Patricia D
Patricia D
2023-03-12
A colleague of mine recommended this brilliant team 👏 😀 that I can only speak highly of when it comes to their professionalism and dedication. I happen to live quite far BUT that honestly is all worth it. Dr Rahul & Dr Jaime ABSOLUTELY THE BEST 👏 👌 I know it's going to be a long journey for me but having such wonderful team will make the process less stressful. I can't thank them enough for being ever so patient, also the ever so lovely receptists whomno matter how busy they are they always welcome you with such warmth. Huge thanks for making a difference to those of us that in a way left it a bit "too late" going to the dentist.

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