Q: I am 40 years old, and just had my lower first molar tooth extracted. What would happen if I just left the space?
A: The loss of a back tooth can affect your dental health, your physical appearance and the way you chew, speak, sing and smile. When a tooth is lost, the adjacent teeth may tilt towards that empty space, or the teeth in the opposing jaw may drift up or down towards that space. Tipped teeth are more difficult to maintain, and are therefore more prone to decay. In addition, the surrounding bone and gum tissues may break down, resulting in an increased risk for gum disease. You may find yourself favoring the opposite side of your mouth when you chew, causing additional stress to your teeth and gum tissues.
The loss of a tooth may also result in the failure to maintain the natural shape of your face, due to the lack of lip and cheek support in that area.
The outcome may be an older appearance due to a sinking of your mouth in the region where the tooth was lost. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Speak to your dentist to explore the many options you have, including implants and fixed bridges, which come very close to duplicating the function and appearance of your natural teeth.