if you lose one tooth what happens to the other teeth - Dental Health Message Board

alisonrebecca · 03-11-2009, 01:46 PM

if you lose one tooth what happens to the other teeth

A bottom left pemanent tooth that can't be seen from the front.

Stribe · 03-11-2009, 06:24 PM

That would depend, which tooth are we talking about?

alisonrebecca · 03-12-2009, 05:40 PM

What if it's A bottom left pemanent tooth that can't be seen from the front?

I've read all sorts of horror stories such as all the others will fall out or the one above it will grow to fill the space.

I've also read that if it's in the back not to worry about it and that nothing else will happen. So I wanted to find out the truth.

taape · 03-12-2009, 10:54 PM

I've had a back tooth that had to be pulled. My dentist made a bridge (a crownon the tooth next to it and a fake tooth attached where the space was). You need your back teeth for chewing even if no one could tell that a tooth is missing because it's in the back of your mouth.

Stribe · 03-13-2009, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alisonrebecca

What if it's A bottom left pemanent tooth that can't be seen from the front?

I've read all sorts of horror stories such as all the others will fall out or the one above it will grow to fill the space.

I've also read that if it's in the back not to worry about it and that nothing else will happen. So I wanted to find out the truth.

There are a few things that can happen.
1) The opposing tooth super-erupts, meaning it grows out of the bone farther to fill the gap.
2) IF its not your last tooth, the teeth behind it can tip forward, causing problems with food trapping and periodontal disease.
3) There is a small percent of people that nothing happens

Now, these changes take years, so its not something you need to have done tomorrow. I would not bet on being #3, I have seen many more cases of tooth movements than of those who nothing happens.
If its your very last tooth, the only thing that can happen is #1.