Why Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants?

Do I really need all of my teeth? What are some problems with missing teeth? Why should I replace missing teeth with dental implants? It is just one tooth lost now, but will this lead to the loss of more teeth making you end up in full dentures?

Some problems associated with missing teeth

Transcript lightly edited if you prefer to read:

Why even replace missing teeth with dental implants? Do you even need new dental implants at all, and do I need all of my teeth? These are questions that people ask all the time on my website, and let’s talk about everything here just as a whole.

Nature gave us 32 teeth, maybe 28 without our wisdom teeth, and they are all supposed to lock in together and one protects the other. When we lose one tooth, or several teeth, your bite becomes out of balance. Even just one tooth lost, your teeth begin to shift a bit and tilt, and maybe the jaw begins to hurt, it cracks a bit when you open and close. And, that even happens from losing one molar like number 19 or number 30 (those are the lower first molars which are commonly lost).

So, what happens is it perpetuates itself. One tooth lost puts extra pressure on the others, and then you subsequently lose another tooth. And let’s say, you lost two bottom teeth over here, well then your top teeth don’t have anything to bite on and they’ll begin to drift downwards looking for something to bite onto. The whole bite begins to collapse, the smile shifts sideways, and over time as we lose more teeth or the full arch of teeth, then our face begins to collapse, right? So, we lose facial support because we no longer have this hard bite that makes the muscles strong, this masseter temporalis, all these muscles that keep our face toned, we really don’t need them anymore.

So basically, do we need our teeth? Of course we need our teeth. And, do they all need to be replaced? Not necessarily all, but most do. Sometimes the second molars or the very, very last ones right in front of the wisdom teeth don’t need to be replaced. But in general, most all of them do. Whether it’s by bridges or implants, there are many good options. Dental implants are oftentimes the best teeth replacement because you don’t have to grind down your adjacent teeth. It’s a noninvasive procedure. It’s really the most conservative way for replacing teeth.

But, if things are left for a long time, you’ll see your face will begin to collapse and shrink like how old people have really small sunken-in faces and wrinkles, and it looks like the distance from the nose to the chin begins to decrease and begins to shrink. That’s called loss of vertical dimension. That’s when things really worsen. All of that can be restored back. I mean, for some patients I do full mouth dental implants, the whole mouth all at once. I put teeth in the same day, sometimes zygomatic dental implants when people have severe bone loss, right?

The bone loss comes when you lose the tooth. So, not just does your bite shift and does your face collapse, the gums shrink and the bone shrinks because there’s no reason for them to be there anymore.

If you didn’t use your right arm for a month and put it in a cast, your right arm would begin to physically shrink. The muscle would atrophy, because what you don’t use, you lose, and that is really something that is very important to understand, that bone shrink. And sure, it could be built back and we could do bone grafting and all that, but the point is to avoid all of that.

And really most importantly, our missing teeth, they give us a sense of self-worth and confidence and beauty. A lot of people replace their missing teeth or all of their teeth or their dentures because they just don’t feel good about themselves anymore. They feel like they’ve lost something that really was a big part of them, and they’ve lost self-confidence and maybe they’re not dating anymore, or there’s the embarrassment of taking in and out teeth, or just not having an attractive smile.

So, having a nice smile that you can be proud of is so important for emotional health. Not just our physical, having a tooth there. Sure, some of us just need teeth for chewing or don’t show most of a lot of a smile, but our teeth support our entire lower face and are really important to our wellbeing.

I know it sounds like I’m off on a tangent, but most people make their decisions based on these emotions, not so much the technical aspect of replacing teeth. I can replace any tooth in the entire mouth or all of the teeth at once. Many of my patients choose to replace missing teeth with dental implants.

Certainly do your due diligence. Work with a provider who really cares about you and that’s an expert in the field and has a good reputation for long-term results, because we know that dental implants are not permanent; we’ve come to find out that our teeth are not permanent. I’ve cracked three of my own teeth before and have a crown or a partial crown. These things happen to the best of us.

I really appreciate you watching this video. It’s kind of a followup to an older post that has always had a lot of questions. Please do some research on the website. There’s a search feature on my website you can use to find just about everything on every topic to help you make some good decisions.

35 thoughts on “Why Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants?”

  1. I have had both upper left molar extractions, five years ago at #15 and more recently (March 16th), of #14. An implant has been recommended for #14. Meanwhile, at age 76, that socket is healing nicely and I sense no impediment to mastication on my left side where bicuspid #13 contacts half of the lower first molar, #19, on the side of that tooth which adjoins #20. Considering my age (i.e. actuarial realities) and lack of any difficulty in chewing on both sides, is an implant really necessary for the position which #14 had occupied?

    Reply
    • At your age having an implant for tooth #14 would be considered elective. If it were me I would certainly have it, but if you are doing okay without it then you can pass. It can always be added later without too much difficulty although you will probably need a sinus lift.

      Reply
  2. November 13, 2022
    Burbank Dental Implants

    Dear Dr. Amin,

    Thank you for providing this very informative community dental forum.

    About ten days ago I lost #31 molar in my sleep. I woke up to find it in my mouth complete with roots and years-old crown intact. No blood and no pain.

    This deserves some explanation. As long ago as 2002 this tooth was identified by my periodontist as endangered after root planing and scaling. Again, in 2014 and in 2016 my general dentist said that the outlook for #31 was poor and he recommended four quadrant osseous surgery. At the time (and now), I have no pain or swelling in my teeth or gums and no blood when I brush or floss. Some deep pockets were identified. I have three wisdom teeth with no pain or bleeding; #17 is missing, possibly years ago.

    Two months ago, #31 became loose. A dental blog I read recommended daily salt water rinses to tighten periodontal pockets and possibly save an endangered tooth. After two and a half months of salt water rinses, the pockets may have tightened to the ironic degree that they forced #31 out!!?? I don’t use alcohol or tobacco.

    I’m now 85, in good health but very reluctant to risk surgery and its possible consequences. I know that bone loss at #31 probably contributed to the loss of the tooth’s anchor and that bone loss may make me a poor candidate for an implant without grafting. I recently came across information that mini implants are not appropriate for molars. And it’s not clear to me whether a partial is a good solution.

    I read your very interesting comments above about losing a second molar and would be grateful to have your opinion on my options.

    Thank you,

    Jacques Levy

    Reply
    • In order to have teeth, just spontaneously fall out in your sleep, it means you have some sort of advance, income disease. Even at your age, they should be treated aggressively, or you will lose a lot more teeth. Even though they might “feel tight” they likely have significant bone loss get in the hands of a very good dentist specialist right away!

      I would focus on keeping the teeth that you have rather than trying to implant the ones that you have lost.

      You would likely at the minimum need a deep scaling and root planing and maybe pocket reduction surgery depending on the outcome of the deep cleaning and pocket depth measurement.

      Reply
  3. Im trying to make a decision whether to have my #18 molor extracted and have an implant there or have the root canal RE done that may or not be successful. My question is if I have the #`8 kiqwe molor extracted and a implant there, would that implant have to be removed if later I choose to have 4 on 4 dental full mouth implants? I am not a smoker or drinker, my jaw bone is good. BUT I have had dental problems all my life. 7 root canals, multiple crowns, lots of old fillings replace. I see if I live long enough, I may lose all my teeth. I am 67

    Reply
    • It sounds like you have bigger issues that need to be worked out that are more important than replacing a second molar tooth #18. My suggestion would be to get in the hands of a really good dentist to appropriately treatment plan and maintain your mouth. These are not decisions that can be made so easily given the information that you have provided. Just because you have multiple crowns and fillings to replace does not mean that you need to remove all of them and have all on 4 dental implants.

      Reply
  4. Dr Amin- left a question on one of your blogs but this blog seems more appropiate. You may wish to bypass that question and save your time. I will condense it. Last three molars and canine one one side pretty much history. Utilizing partial denture clasped to lateral incisor and remaining canine as one tooth missing on other upper side. If any of upper remaining teeth are lost and I transition to a full upper denture, can I convert that denture to an implant situation at that time? Eight remaining teeth remain on upper arch and are in pretty good shape so far and also all lowers remain. Should those uppers be sacrificed now and implants replaced or wait until a more appropriate time- I would hate to lose them now as they seem quite stable and support the partial denture and conserve the remaining bone. Thanks.

    Reply
    • This is a fantastic question. But the reality is, I would need to see you to make that type of decision. Sometimes we have to sacrifice a few for the benefit of the many.

      Again, this is case by case, and can I cannot be decided over a comment. Removing teeth is an irreversible decision. But at the same time doing implants haphazardly from one side of the mouth to another you would end up perhaps worse off and spending a lot more money.

      Reply
      • That is an interesting perspective that is for sure- I hadn’t thought of that , meaning that it should be well thought out as to extracting the remaining uppers- on the other side. As you say, gone is gone– it is not reversible. Guess I was jumping the gun somewhat, but at age 77 you’ ll have to cut me some slackI If they were loose, wobbly, etc. I may be more inclined to entertain sacrificing them. I may be better served by the partial for now as I was also uncertain if starting an implant replacement on the missing molar side now would interfere should I need the entire upper done down the line.( wasn’t sure how it all coordinates together.) I appreciate your perspective– seems like you think things thru and I feel that is what sets you apart from some of the other practiitioners. Thank you.

        Reply
      • Dr Amin- if your time permits, could you clarify the last sentence in your previous reply to me on 9/25. It mentioned doing something haphazardly then I think the spellcheck auto correct kicked in and changed the wording for the remainder of the sentence and I couldn’t figure it out – thank you.

        Reply
        • ohh I see where auto correct messed things up!

          Here is what I was saying in that last sentence;

          This is a fantastic question. But the reality is, I would need to see you to make that type of decision. Sometimes we have to sacrifice a few for the benefit of the many.

          Again, this is case by case, and can I cannot be decided over a comment. Removing teeth is an irreversible decision. But at the same time doing implants haphazardly from one side of the mouth to another you would end up perhaps worse off and spending a lot more money.

          Reply
          • Thank you for your clarification of your response- auto correct messed up the previous response. I am beginning to see that the implant undertakings have to be extremely well thought out in both its precare and, most importantly, its aftercare to prevent infections and failures, etc. — the patient I feel has to be committed to the entire implant process along with the doctor.. I can see why you and staff are in high demand- you see the whole picture. I think I understand your clarification. To implant haphazardly from one upper side to another , without seeing the ” whole picture” serves no one. If I am anxious to hurry things along , it may turn out to be a haphazard event and I end up spending a lot more money down the line. Thanks for letting me see that angle. For now, I will maintain the status quo ( partial along with the remaining stable teeth) as it seems to be stable and working, and when the situation changes I will seek advice from a qualified practitioner like yourself who does see the end result. Thanks again — I hope you realize how invaluable your insights are, as many others have mentioned on your website. Your level of commitment is evident. Your parents raised a good kid!

  5. Hi Dr Amin
    I’m 26 years old and had molars 16 and 46 extracted earlier this year. Due to financial constraints, I plan to wait till early next year to get the implants. Is that too long a wait? or Do you advise that I break bank and get my implants as soon as possible

    Reply
  6. It’s been about a month since I had two upper left molar implants. Recently, I have been waking with severe eye swelling. No pain, just swelling. Should I be worried?

    Reply
    • Something is not right. You need to see your dentist and or an ophthalmologist. Are there any other bad teeth in your mouth that could be causing this? Sometimes there is another tooth off in the T9ine on that side that can cause swelling around the eye.

      Reply
  7. Hi, thank you for this site. I recently lost my first upper right molar (gum abscess that developed into socket then tooth split – treatment delayed due to Covid lockdown). I have also lost my bottom left second molar (gum abscess also). I’m seeking advice as to implants – what should I consider? Also, as I get older, I am concerned about gum disease – I brush twice as day and use mouth wash – what else can I do? Thank you.

    Reply
  8. I am 30 years old . I had an accident duing childhood due to which 2 front upper teeths in the middle had to be implanted . I am having gap in teeth and they are protruding . I required to straighten my teeth however dentist told braces and aligners are not suitable due to planted teeth . I want to get dental implants in order to remove gap between teeth and to have a good smile .need your suggestion on this .

    Reply
      • Yes I have front teeth implants however there is gap between the teeth and also they are a bit protruted . I was having gap in natural teeths which were broken during an accident on childhood . So I had to get 2 front teeth implanted. However the dentist fixed teeth on its original position that is fixed having a gap between implanted teeth .With time the gap has increased between the teeths .To get the teeth straightened I consulted with dentist for aligner or braces . I am being told that braces or aligners is not suitable to straighten implants .So I would like to know how can I get teeth straightened through dental implants

        Reply
        • Dental implants did not move with orthodontics. It may be you can just change the crowns on the implants to close the space. Sometimes they will look to wide like that.

          In some situations you have to remove the implants, do the braces and then replace the implants again. This is a bit backwards but it is an option

          Reply
  9. Hi Dr Amin,
    You are an amazing resource with all your answers. I am 52 and have 22 teeth left. 4 wisdom teeth and 4 teeth were extracted for braces in my 20’s.
    I’ve lost #3 and #30 both Right 1st molars. I am unable to get an implant on #3 because of my extraordinarily Low Sinuses. Will it be beneficial for me at all to get an implant for #30 if there is no opposing teeth on the top for chewing?

    Reply
      • Hi Dr. Amin
        Yes, I’ve explored the sinus Lift and bone graft but even my oral surgeon does not think it will be successful because I only have 1mm of bone in the upper jaw.
        He doesn’t think it’s worth doing any implants at all if I don’t have the opposing tooth for chewing. My mouth just feels “empty” and I feel old.
        All the doctors I’ve consulted don’t think a bridge is a good idea because all my other teeth are in good condition. Thank you for your time.

        Reply
      • Hi Dr. Amin
        Yes, I’ve explored the sinus Lift and bone graft but even my oral surgeon does not think it will be successful because I only have 1mm of bone in the upper jaw.
        He doesn’t think it’s worth doing any implants at all if I don’t have the top tooth for chewing. My mouth just feels “empty” and I feel old.
        All the doctors I’ve consulted don’t think a bridge is a good idea because all my other teeth are in good condition. Thank you for your time.

        Reply
  10. Dear Dr. Amin,

    Your website is an incredible resource – packed with detailed, meaningful information – and I’m very grateful for the amount of time and care you’ve put into it. I asked a question here a few years ago, and you were kind enough to write a very helpful answer.

    I was hoping to ask a more general question. (I apologize if this is something that you’ve already answered on your side; I’ve spent a long time reading through your blog, but it’s possible I have missed something.) I have read about claims (and at least one study) regarding inflammation caused by titanium particles due to dental implants, and the possibility that this inflammation can trigger autoimmune problems that may not become apparent until years later. (One study I looked at was from 2018, by Lechner, Noumbissi, and von Baehr.)

    I’m not a scientist, so I don’t know that I trust my own reading of the article, but it seemed to suggest that this “silent inflammation” is pervasive among patients with dental implants. You have been doing implants for many years, and I was wondering if this is a phenomenon that you have seen in your own patients. In other words, do you think there’s any reason to believe that patients with implants are more likely to develop autoimmune issues in later years?

    I see that you don’t consider zirconia implants a good alternative to titanium at this time, and I am inclined to trust your expertise on this. But I’m a little stressed as I try to figure out what my options are. I have a lower molar that will have to come out in the next few years, due to a botched root canal. I have a real fear of suffering bone loss if I don’t get a replacement, but I’m also nervous about the possibility of triggering some kind of health issues as I get older.

    Thank you for any thoughts and advice.

    Reply
    • First off thank you 😊

      I would like you to watch this video on the safety of dental implants

      https://burbankdentalimplants.com/dental-implants-safe/

      In 20 years of placing dental implants I have yet to see an allergy or any sort of autoimmune deficiency occur from a titanium alloy dental implant.

      I have placed dental implants on my own family members. I would not do so if I did not feel it was 100% safe.

      I would suggest you see a dentist with many years of experience.

      The good thing is that most all of the dental implants manufactured nowadays are of good quality.

      I think you can sleep well knowing that it’s not going to trigger some kind of health issues as you get older.

      Yes I knew I was harming people I would quit doing this!

      Reply
    • Hi Dr., I was advised to get 3-4 mini implants in the front lower part of my jaw to hold my denture. I have significant bone loss so I am not a candidate for the larger implants. My concern is the possibilty of these mini implants not lasting as I lost much vertical tissue over the years. I would greatly appreciate your advice before investing in this procedure. Thank you

      Reply

Leave a Comment