The term itself defines an abnormal absence in the oral cavity. In principle, teeth are naturally “placed” in the mouth in order to form a coherent, stable and complementary whole. The absence of a piece of this puzzle creates an imbalance that can lead to various disruptions.

The symptoms seem obvious (sometimes visible emptiness) but are related to various pains or discomforts, which can be serious:

• Aesthetic problems (causing discomfort to smile);
• Chewing problems;
• Malocclusion problems;
• Joint pain in the jaw.

The causes of a missing tooth are various:

• Shock or trauma The tooth may have broken, and if the trauma has been felt to the root, the tooth may need to be extracted;
• Untreated gingivitis that has degenerated into periodontitis, causing tooth mobility and, potentially, tooth loss;
• A major periodontal disease that destroys tissues and bone until the tooth is shaken and then falls;
• A congenital absence of one or more teeth (anodontia). It is a condition that affects women more often than men and affects 3.5 to 6.5% of the population;
• A decay that occurs as a result of an untreated cavity may sometimes only result in an extraction if the entire structure of the tooth is affected.

In addition, the absence of a tooth poses real and concrete problems, due to the particular role of each tooth in the overall dentition. The space created by the absence of one or more teeth not only has aesthetic consequences but greatly disrupts the functioning of chewing and occlusion.

In the event of an accident, it is recommended to immediately reimplant the tooth into its socket yourself. Once the tooth is replaced, it is essential to go to the dentist as soon as possible.

After extraction or to correct a congenital absence of a tooth (anodontia), a dental professional will consider various options, depending on the technical possibilities and, of course, the cost of the proposed procedure.

Several options may be available:

• Orthodontic treatment with prosthetic replacement of missing teeth or complete closure of spaces;
• Fixed bridge: This is a prosthesis that is not integrated into the bone but sticks to the teeth adjacent to the vacant space. These supporting teeth are previously prepared and the prosthesis (bridge), usually made of porcelain, rests (is glued) on either side of the teeth;
• The dental bridge is a variant of the previous one in that it connects the adjacent teeth on either side of the existing space. These teeth often need to be modified or even devitalized. The main difference is that this bridge is fixed and is not likely to come off;
• The single implant crown is by far the most durable solution for replacing extracted or congenitally absent teeth. A titanium or ceramic screw (used as the root of the future tooth) is inserted into the bone and a crown of a colour carefully matched to the neighbouring teeth is attached to it. The neighbouring teeth are not touched at all. This procedure is quite easy and not very painful;
• Removable partial prosthesis. For various reasons (including the lowest cost), the decision to choose a partial prosthesis is made. Made of acrylic and/or with a metal structure, it has the disadvantage of having to be removed to clean it, but this disadvantage may also appear to be an advantage insofar as, if properly maintained after meals, it remains cleaner than a fixed prosthesis.

An emergency consultation is required in the case of a broken or accidentally lost tooth. In other cases, the urgency lies only in the pain felt.

When a tooth is lost, it is essential to fill the space left by the missing tooth, not only for the aesthetic aspect, but also to prevent your other teeth from deteriorating.

When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth tend to move towards the released space, causing possible malocclusion, difficult chewing and finally, digestive problems. In addition, it often causes speech difficulties.

Consequences of the loss of a tooth on neighbouring teeth

Normally, the teeth of the same arch are side by side and remain well aligned. When a tooth is extracted, neighbouring teeth tend to take up more space and lie down, reducing the empty space but also creating a space with others. This space can lead to the formation of cavities through the accumulation of food and bacteria.

Consequences of tooth loss on antagonistic teeth

In principle, the teeth of the upper and lower jaws face each other and balance each other, thus allowing good chewing. When a tooth is extracted and in the absence of appropriate care, the one opposite no longer has its chewing function and begins to shake. This causes the gums to retract, causing pain and cavities.

The fact that a tooth is missing therefore removes its chewing functionality, causing the tooth facing it to be useless. It is obviously worse if it is the absence of several teeth. In addition to this decrease in the effectiveness of chewing, there is also an unsightly aesthetic aspect.

• Inadequate oral hygiene;
• Smoking.

• Maintain good oral hygiene habits including brushing 2 to 3 times a day as well as flossing and interdental brushes;
• Avoid smoking;
• Consult a dentist once or twice a year, or as prescribed, for routine cleaning and examination.