Missing teeth
Teeth are lost to decay, gum disease, injury and extraction, and sometimes never develop at all. A gap rarely stays harmless: neighbouring teeth drift, the opposing tooth moves down and the bone under the gap slowly shrinks. Most gaps can be replaced, and the right option depends on the bone, the gums and the teeth around the gap.
Common causes
Bone around the teeth is lost until they become loose and fall out or need removal. A common reason for tooth loss in adults.
Gum treatment →Deep decay or infectionA tooth destroyed by decay, or with an infection that cannot be saved, may need extraction.
Oral surgery and wisdom teeth →InjuryA blow to the mouth from a fall, sport or accident can knock a tooth out or break it below the gum.
Dental implants →Wisdom teeth or crowdingTeeth that cannot fit or erupt properly are sometimes removed, which can leave gaps when other teeth are affected.
Oral surgery and wisdom teeth →Teeth that never developedSome people are born without one or more permanent teeth. Space is often managed with braces before replacement.
Orthodontic treatment →Fixed replacement (implant or bridge)A dental implant replaces the root and stands alone. A bridge uses the neighbouring teeth as anchors and needs them to be prepared.
Dental implants →Removable replacement (dentures)A partial or complete denture replaces several or all teeth without surgery, and can be adjusted as the mouth changes.
Dentures →See a dentist today if you have
- A permanent tooth knocked out: handle it by the crown, not the root, keep it in milk or in your cheek, and see a dentist within the hour if you can
- A tooth knocked loose or pushed out of position after an injury
- Bleeding from the socket that does not stop after 30 minutes of firm pressure
- Swelling of the face or gum, or fever, after a tooth has been lost or removed
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing: go to a hospital now
- If a tooth has just been knocked out, do not scrub it. Rinse briefly with milk or saline if dirty and keep it in milk until you see a dentist.
- Do not push a knocked-out baby tooth back into the socket.
- Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and warm salt-water rinses.
- Avoid chewing hard food on the gap while the area is tender.
- Do not leave a gap for years if you plan to replace it; bone and neighbouring teeth change over time.
Questions patients ask
Do I need to replace a missing tooth?
Not always for a back tooth you rarely use, but gaps often cause neighbouring teeth to tilt and the opposing tooth to move. Many people replace teeth for chewing, speech and appearance. A dentist can advise for your mouth.
What is the difference between an implant, a bridge and a denture?
An implant is a titanium post placed in the jaw that holds a crown, and it does not rely on other teeth. A bridge is anchored on the teeth either side of the gap. A denture is removable and rests on the gums, or clips onto implants.
How long do the options last?
It varies with oral hygiene, gum health, bite and habits such as smoking. Implants and bridges commonly last 10 years or more with good care; dentures are usually remade or relined every few years as the mouth changes.
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
Sometimes, if it is put back within about an hour and the tooth has been kept moist in milk. A baby tooth is never replanted. See a dentist as soon as possible either way.
Which dentist will I see?
Dr. Nimisha Pandya assesses you first. Implant surgery is done by Dr. Ohm Rajani, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Questions about this treatment?
Send a WhatsApp message or book an examination. The dentist explains the options before anything starts.