You lost a back molar, but unless you’re looking really hard, you can’t see the dental gap. So there’s a pretty good chance no one else can either, right? If it’s not bothering you aesthetically, does that mean you don’t have to replace it?
You are right that probably no one would notice you have a tooth missing in the very back of your mouth. Where the logic breaks down is in assuming restorative dental treatments are purely cosmetic! There are plenty of good reasons dentists recommend filling smile gaps as soon as possible.
Prevent Dental Drift
A crown, dental implant, bridge, or denture can prevent any remaining natural teeth from drifting out of alignment. When there’s a gap in your lineup, nearby pearly whites will try to compensate by shifting towards the empty space. Of course, what this ends up doing is giving you a crooked smile, bite issues, and a need for orthodontic treatment.
Maintain Jawbone Density
Did you know that teeth are responsible for promoting circulation to your jawbone? Chewing pressure gets transferred from the crown to the dental root and essentially makes sure the bone is able to receive the nutrients it needs to maintain itself. No tooth means no stimulation or circulation, and gradually, the jawbone starts to deteriorate. A replacement tooth can effectively slow or even prevent this deterioration.
Chew More Effectively
Your front teeth are very good at tearing food, but what happens after you bite off a piece of apple? You start chewing with the pearly whites that are farther back in your mouth. Having a missing molar can make it more difficult to chew effectively, which in turn makes it harder for your digestive system to absorb nutrients.
Even though they’re not the most visibly obvious teeth, molars are still an important part of your smile! If you lose one, replacing it with a quality dental restoration will improve your oral health and overall quality of life. So give your dentist a call – they’ll be happy to lay out your options and help you choose an effective treatment plan.
About the Author
Dr. Shahram Modarres has been helping patients of all ages maintain good oral health for over 20 years. He enjoys getting to know his patients, and emphasizes personalized treatment planning. If you’re missing a back tooth, Dr. Modarres will listen attentively to your needs, preferences, and concerns, and work with you closely to make sure you’ll love your dental restoration. To schedule your consultation today, call Dr. Modarres’ office at 301-816-9400.