The Biggest Mistake People Make After Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is often seen as the last step, but in reality it is the beginning of a new faze which requires attention and extra care. One of the most common mistakes- and most damaging one- that patient can make after losing a tooth is not replacing it. 

Not taking the right steps will seem harmless at first, but its long-term effects will be visible and dangerous for overall oral health. In this blog post, we will discuss the main reasons why replacing a single tooth is so important and what happens if this step is neglected. 

What Happens In The Mouth After A Tooth Extraction?

When a tooth is extracted, the mouth will undergo a number of changes. Firstly, the body with start its normal healing process. In the meantime, the bone will start to resorb in the root area. This happens because the bone is not stimulated while eating, and it is considered “unnecessary” by the organism. 

As weeks and months pass, this bone loss will not only affect the area of the extracted tooth but also the surrounding structures, damaging the support system of the neighbouring teeth. Additionally, the empty space creates the perfect situation for the gradual shifting of other teeth, disrupting the bite and natural balance of the dental arch.

In the absence of proper intervention, these changes will lead to functional loss of the mouth, difficulties while eating and aesthetic consequences such as smile deformation or changes in profile. This is why the tooth extraction is only the first step – protecting the tooth’s mouth structure will be an essential step.

Why Don’t People Replace The Missing Tooth?

Besides the fact that a missing tooth doesn’t cause pain, many patients consider tooth extraction as the end of the problem and don’t understand why replacement is so important. Tooth extraction is a temporary solution, and the empty space left behind leads to bigger issues in the future. 

Another reason is that many people have the idea that a missing tooth, especially when located on the back of the mouth, doesn’t have any functional or aesthetic importance. This is wrong because even a single missing tooth will affect the biting force, teeth shifting and pressure on the jaw. 

Fear of dental procedures is another common factor. Some patients tend to totally avoid returning to the dental clinic for replacing the missing tooth due to anxiety related to dental treatments or unpleasant previous experiences.

In other cases, the patient doesn’t have enough information regarding treatments that will help them restore missing teeth. Without professional guidance, it is easier to neglect the issue and to let the situation worsen with time. 

Although they might sound like justified reasons, these decisions will lead to more complex issues as time passes. Replacing a missing tooth should not be views as a choice, ut as an important step towards maintaining proper mouth function and oral health. 

The Risk Of Nearby Teeth Shifting

When a tooth is extracted and its space is left empty for a long time, teeth located nearby will start to move and shift towards the empty space. This shift will happen due to the lack of lateral support and contact that maintains mouth stability.

As time passes, this shift will lead to biting issues and loss of balance between the upper and lower teeth. Teeth will move forward, lean or create new spaces, which will be difficult to maintain, increasing the risk of cavities and periodontal issues. 

In addition to horizontal shifting, another phenomenon called super-eruption can occur: the tooth opposite the missing one begins to “extend” into the empty space in search of natural contact. This creates unnecessary tension on the root and increases the risk of further damage.

If these changes are not corrected in time, the placement of dental implants or other restoration techniques will be impossible without the help of orthodontic or surgical treatment. That is why the space left behind after the tooth is extracted is more than just an aesthetic issue, it will directly affect the mouth’s function, health and stability. 

Loss Of Jawbone

Once the tooth is extracted, the body will stop stimulating the jawbone area while chewing, considering it unnecessary. As a result, the natural process of resorption will occur – the bone will start to digest and lose its height and volume. 

Bone loss happens faster than you think: about 25% of the bone volume will be lost only one year after tooth extraction, and the process will continue as time passes. If the right steps are not taken, this deterioration can also affect the nearby structures, damaging the stability of neighbouring teeth.

Bone loss will not only affect mouth functionality but also facial structure. The jaw will become weaker, lips will lose their natural support, and our face will start looking older. 

In cases when the patient decides to replace a missing tooth after quite some time, additional procedures such as bone grafting will be necessary. Bone grafting will restore the jawbone volume before the implant placement. So, replacing an extracted tooth at the right time is not only a functional and aesthetic solution – it is a preventive measure against the biological deterioration of the jaw.

Impact On Bite And Oral Function

Extracting a tooth will directly affect the way teeth fit during biting and chewing food. Even though it may seem that a single tooth doesn’t cause a huge difference, its absence can disrupt the functional balance of the dental arch, increasing the pressure on the remaining teeth. 

When a tooth is missing, the patient will start to unconsciously chew the food with the other side of the mouth, which leads to one-sided muscle fatigue and additional stress in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). As time passes, this condition will cause pain in the jaw, clicking, while opening the mouth and even constant headaches. 

Additionally, the absence of equal mouth contact while eating will affect the stability of other teeth, leading to unequal enamel consumption, sensitivity, breakage and dental structure loss. Oral function, including biting, speaking and even mouth position, will be significantly affected when part of the support system is missing.

This is another reason why replacing missing teeth after extraction is not any structural or aesthetic issue – it will cause direct issues in the way the mouth functions every day. Early replacement is important not only for the maintenance of facial structure but also for preserving the bite.

Changes In Aesthetics And Facial Profile

Not replacing a missing tooth for a long time will significantly change the facial appearance. Teeth and jawbone play an important role in supporting the soft tissues of the face, such as lips and cheeks. When this support is lost, the outer structures will weigh down, and the face takes on a sunken or aged appearance.

When the patient is missing a tooth in the front area of the mouth, the smile will change immediately – lips will look smaller, drawn inward, losing their natural shape. If the patient is missing teeth in the back area of the mouth, their cheeks will weaken, and the facial profile appears more droopy and empty.

Continuous bone loss will quickly worsen these aesthetic changes as time passes, making it more difficult for the patient to restore natural facial structure even after the tooth is replaced. Additionally, aesthetic changes will also lead to lower self-esteem and anxiety while in social situations that require smiling and talking. 

If you want to maintain facial structure, missing teeth should be replaced as soon as possible. Early restoration will not only help maintain full mouth function but also help maintain a natural facial profile. 

Replacing A Missing Tooth

Fortunately, modern densitsrty offers a number of effective solutions that aim to replace a single missing tooth without the need of complex interventions or compromising mouth aesthetics. Choosing the right treatment will depend on the location of missing teeth, condition of the jawbone, jawbone condition, individual preferences and how much money the patient is willing to spend. 

Dental implants are the most suitable and advanced solutions out there. It includes the placement of the titanium implant on the jawbone, acting the same as the tooth root and supporting the dental crown. The implants don’t affect the neighbouring teeth and help prevent further bone loss. 

Dental bridges are another commonly used technique for replacing missing teeth. This technique will only work if the neighbouring teeth are healthy and can act as a supporting structure. This technique includes the placement of a prosthetic tooth in the middle, which will be fixed in place by the crowns that will cover the nearby teeth. Bridges will look the same as natural teeth and immediately restore tooth function. 

Removable partial dentures are also a suitable choice for replacing missing teeth. They are more economical and simple. These tooth-like structures can be removed and are composed of one or more artificial teeth standing over the gum line, supported by the neighbouring teeth. Even though they are not as stable as dental implants and bridges, they will significantly improve oral function and appearance.  

Replacing a missing teeth is not only an aesthetic issues – it is an important step in maintaining proper tooth function, health and overall mouth balance. Consulting with a professional dentist is necessary for decinging which is the suitable treatment for you accroding to your case. 

How To Avoid Mistakes After Tooth Removal

The most common mistake that people make after tooth extraction is not taking the right measures – leaving an empty space in the mouth thinking there are no immediate consequences. 

In order to avoid, the most important step will be planning the replacement treatment at the same time the tooth is extracted. Consulting with the dentists should not only involve the extraction process, but it should also include the treatment possibilities. 

Once the tooth is removed, don’t wait months or years. The longer the space remains empty, the higher the risk of bone loss and the shifting of the surrounding teeth. Placing a dental implant, bridge, or removable denture will help maintain integrity, function and mouth aesthetics. 

Even though the cost can seem expensive in the beginning, prolonging treatment makes the situation more complex and increases the price as time passes. Implantus by Dr. Roland Zhuka offers the most affordable treatments in the market. Treating the issue at the right time will not only save you money but will also help avoid more complex procedures in the future. 

If you are confused about what to do after tooth extraction, we advise you to consult with a dental professional such as Dr. Roland Zhuka.