Can Replacing a Back Tooth Help You Avoid Future Dental Problems?

Many people will only consider replacing a missing a front tooth for cosmetic reasons and skip the cost of replacing a back tooth. If it is not visible, why bother replacing it? However, an investment in a back tooth replacement could actually help you avoid spending excess money on other issues in the future.

Reasons for Replacing Missing Back Teeth

There are many reasons besides cosmetic ones to replace a tooth. A back tooth that is missing and not replaced can lead to many other issues that can affect your overall dental health. The back teeth are responsible for taking the chewing force away from front teeth, so with the absence of a back tooth, more force and stress is moved to the front teeth. Your bite can also be altered since the neighboring teeth may begin to spread into the open space, causing the teeth to tip and rotate into an incorrect position. This can further lead to excessive wear, erosion, tooth mobility and may endanger the health and survival of the tooth in the future.

Tooth Replacement Options

To avoid all of these issues, an investment in a replacement is important. The most highly recommended option is a dental implant since it looks more life-like and is durable. The titanium post will also start adhering to the bone which can help prevent bone loss. For some, a bone graft may be necessary to help keep the implant in place.

Another popular option for tooth replacement is a bridge, which uses the neighboring teeth as anchors to keep an artificial tooth in place with anchoring crowns.

If you are unsure which option is right for you, the best option is to make a dental exam appointment so you can speak with your dentist about all the tooth replacement options available.