It is true that you may have 31 or at least 27 teeth left, but you have to know that each tooth is important, just as links in a chain are, and the consequences of this loss just get more serious over time. When we lose a tooth in the front part of our mouth, we all try to compensate for it as soon as possible because it seriously affects our appearance and smile. However, tooth loss in the back is just as important as in the front because we lose masticatory function and the proper transmission of forces while chewing. Other teeth then take over the function of the lost tooth (usually the adjacent teeth) and become overloaded, which over time causes problems with those teeth. Adjacent teeth lean into the empty space, bone is lost and the teeth become weaker.
In addition to overloading other teeth, a space is created where plaque and bacteria accumulate, pockets and various inflammations occur, and it should be noted that the teeth become movable. The tooth in the counter jaw has no resistance when chewing and grows into the existing empty space, thereby losing stability and becoming movable. As a result, the masticatory muscles also suffer, which can lead to changes and pain in the temporomandibular joint. The lost tooth should be compensated as soon as possible in order to restore the masticatory function and prevent the above-stated consequences.
Depending on the situation, the tooth is replaced with a bridge, i.e. we grind the adjacent teeth that serve as a bridge support and thus restore the masticatory function and protect the remaining teeth. The disadvantage of bridges is that we remove healthy dental tissue on existing teeth. A bridge is sometimes a better solution, especially in cases where we have a large bone defect after tooth extraction and when it is not possible to place an implant.
The ideal solution is to place an implant (titanium screw) that is inserted into the bone in place of the missing tooth. The implant replaces the root of the tooth on which, after the time required for the implant to adhere to the bone (4-6 months), a crown is placed, which can be made of different materials (zirconia, metal ceramics etc.). The patient feels as if the tooth on the implant is their own and there is almost no period of adjustment, and consequences, such as the loss of the masticatory function, are prevented, as well as the teeth becoming movable.
The ideal solution for you depends on your overall health, the condition of the remaining teeth, oral hygiene, and personal habits and lifestyle.
