{"id":138,"date":"2026-08-16T18:50:43","date_gmt":"2026-08-16T18:50:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.westroxburydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=138"},"modified":"2026-08-23T18:53:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-23T18:53:27","slug":"do-i-need-to-replace-missing-teeth-no-one-can-see","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.westroxburydentistry.com\/blog\/do-i-need-to-replace-missing-teeth-no-one-can-see\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I Need to Replace Missing Teeth No One Can See?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Would you be surprised to learn that tooth loss<\/a> among adults is considered common? Sources estimate that roughly 178 million people in the U.S. have at least one missing permanent tooth and that about 40 million have lost them all.<\/p>

You might not think it’s a big deal to replace your lost tooth, especially if the gap is in the back of your mouth where it’s unlikely to be seen. But there are consequences of tooth loss that you might not have considered. Read on to learn more about it and how your dentist can help restore your smile!<\/p>

What Causes Tooth Loss?<\/h2>

Many people only consider their teeth when they think of their oral health, but your gums are equally significant. For instance, did you know that periodontitis, or advanced-stage gum disease, is the leading cause of permanent tooth loss in adults? If your connective tissues become infected and go untreated for too long, they start to recede and leave your teeth with nothing to hold them in place.<\/p>

But severe dental decay and physical trauma, such as taking a blow to the face during an athletic event, can also contribute to tooth loss.<\/p>

How Does Tooth Loss Affect My Dental Health?<\/h2>

If you get anxious about dental procedures or want to avoid the cost of a restoration, you might be tempted to leave the space empty after your tooth falls out. But your remaining teeth are prone to shifting out of alignment to fill in the gap, which can be problematic.<\/p>

For example, misaligned teeth are prone to additional wear and tear that causes chips, cracks, or breaks. You might also develop orthodontic concerns or a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder that can lead to a sore, stiff, or locked jaw. As a result, most experts recommend rebuilding your smile sooner rather than later.<\/p>

What Are the Options for Replacing Missing Teeth?<\/h2>

You’re not alone if you’re unsure of the best way to restore your grin after teeth have gone missing. Thankfully, many dentists offer multiple options so that if you’re not a good candidate for one service, you can still benefit from another. Potential treatments can include:<\/p>