Why is it important to replace missing teeth?

Losing a tooth is not only physically uncomfortable but can have an effect on a person’s self-esteem. If you’re missing teeth, it is worth considering having a dental implant to reduce the likelihood of future dental health issues and to boost your confidence.

What exactly is a dental implant?

After we lose a tooth, there is a gap in its place. A dental implant is a small and robust titanium screw which is permanently fitted into the old tooth’s position, integrating fully into the jawbone. Once this is fitted, your dentist will fix an aesthetically crafted crown on top to replace the missing tooth.

What are the common causes of missing teeth?

For many adults, we have a full set of 32 teeth encompassing incisors, canines, premolars and molars. However, it is not uncommon for middle-aged adults (45-65) to be missing one tooth or more.

Some of the most common reasons for losing teeth, are:

  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Dental injuries
  • Dental extractions
  • General wear and tear
  • Genetics

What are the consequences of not having my missing tooth replaced?


To a certain extent, we are all concerned about our appearance and losing just a single tooth can bestow significant emotional stress. This can have an astounding effect on a person’s self-esteem, potentially causing depression and in turn, affecting work and personal life.

At Premium Dental Implants, our testimonials alone portray how dental implants have enhanced our patients’ overall confidence and self-esteem. Read our testimonials here.

Dental Health

Losing a tooth can have significantly impact a person’s remaining healthy teeth. Once a tooth is lost, the entire structure of our remaining teeth is disrupted. Due to the residual gap where the tooth once was, the healthy teeth that are left can tilt and shift towards the gap left behind, particularly when chewing, causing them to be exposed and vulnerable.

As a result, this can create even more dental problems in the future. It is relatively common for people who have lost one tooth to lose more because of not replacing the initial loss with a dental implant.

The Comfort

When a piece of food comes into contact with the gap where the missing tooth once was, the pain can be particularly uncomfortable. As a recurring problem every time you eat, many people who are missing teeth will avoid certain foods that cause the biggest problems. If you are at the point where you are missing out on certain aspects of your life because of missing teeth, it is time to contact your dentist and consider a dental implant.

How do I know when I need to speak to a dentist?

Until you are missing a tooth, it is hard to envisage the effect it can have on your life. Our teeth play an integral role in chewing, speaking, communicating clearly, self-confidence, oral health and even our career opportunities.

If you’re having doubts about a damaged or missing tooth, find out below when you should speak to your dentist:

If you can’t eat certain foods

If you have found yourself avoiding certain foods because your missing tooth makes it difficult to chew, having a dental implant will allow you to return to enjoying the foods you love again.

Suffering with headaches

When we are missing teeth, it can affect the position of our remaining healthy teeth. As a result, the upper and lower jaw may not fit together as normal. This can create stiffness in the muscle and joints, causing headaches or a migraine.

You’re missing one or more teeth

Missing teeth not only have an effect on your self-confidence, but also on your dental health. Losing a tooth can lead to future dental health implications, so it is best to consider Premium Dental Implants to prevent further complications that could affect your remaining healthy teeth.

Your face shape has changed

When we lose a tooth, our jawbone no longer has stimulation from the tooth’s root. This can reduce the density of the jawbone and consequently lead to a shrinking jaw line, making you look older than you are.

If you have any more questions or would like to speak to someone about dental implants, click here.