Here's a scenario, a patient walks in to the office because there is a tooth in pain. After examination, the tooth is deemed unsalvageable and extraction was completed. Options for replacement of missing tooth were given to patient but the patient insisted on not proceeding with any restoration. Guess what happens over time?
Check out below for an informative time-lapse animation of what happens when a missing tooth does not get replaced.
Summary of events:
- Shifting of adjacent teeth
- Gum disease due to increased difficulty to properly maintain oral hygiene
- TMJ disfunction and discomfort due to change in bite and occlusion
- Possible movement of other teeth