Tooth Loss: What comes after?
In general, teeth have the tendency to move towards the front of the mouth and towards the opposing teeth unless the presence of the rest of the teeth prevents it. The loss of one or more teeth triggers these movements of neighbouring or opposing teeth and can cause changes to the relation between teeth and changes to the gums which can lead to the development of gum disease and dental decay. Tooth loss gradually leads to the resorption of bone and gum making the future rehabilitation of the area more complex with higher cost. These movements can also cause serious occlusal problems (problems with the way teeth bite together) affecting the joints of the jaw but also seriously affecting the aesthetic appearance of the mouth and face. This chain reaction can be effectively prevented when the prosthetic rehabilitation of tooth loss is done without delay.
