Signs of tooth loss
See your dentist if you notice:
Enamel wear and change in tooth colour, like white spots that start to turn brown.
Pain in the area, ranging from mild to severe.
A bad taste or bad smell in your mouth.
Signs of infection in the gums like swelling.
Tooth replacement
Missing teeth can result in a loss of self-confidence and lower self-esteem. If you have several missing teeth and difficulty chewing, this could lead to digestive and nutritional problems. Your other teeth may start to shift or over-erupt to compensate for the missing teeth. Changes in tooth position can influence the ability to properly clean teeth and may also result in a risk of gum disease and cavities developing.
If you’ve lost one or more teeth, there are several options to choose from to replace them.
Dentures: These can be either full or partial, depending on how many teeth have been lost. They are made in a lab and are based on measurements and an impression taken of your mouth.
Bridge: Also a non-surgical option, a bridge is made up of false teeth that attach to surrounding natural teeth.
Implant: This is a surgical procedure to replace the root and tooth by screwing a replica tooth into the jawbone for a more long-lasting effect.
Information as per the ODA https://www.oda.ca/oral-health-basics/oral-conditions-diseases/tooth-loss/