[Click! Health] 'If you don't have teeth, use your gums'? ... Quick treatment is essential to protect your health

The number of adult teeth, excluding wisdom teeth, is usually 28. Each tooth has its unique role, but even if one or two teeth are lost, many people tend to neglect it if there is no significant inconvenience in daily life. We explored what problems can arise when such gaps in teeth are left untreated and how to treat them with Professor Baek Yeon-hwa from the Department of Prosthodontics at Gwanak Seoul National University Dental Hospital.

[Image source=Pixabay]

When a tooth falls out and a space is created, the adjacent teeth or the opposing teeth above or below may shift into the empty space, disrupting the alignment of the teeth. In a normal, healthy dental arrangement, teeth are closely aligned to prevent food from getting stuck between them. However, when the alignment is disrupted, gaps form, food begins to get trapped, and if not properly managed, the gums can swell and become painful.

Professor Baek Yeon-hwa explained, “If the gap is continuously neglected, chewing food becomes difficult, which can lead to various systemic complications such as digestive disorders or nutritional deficiencies. If one or two teeth are lost and there is no immediate discomfort, neglecting the issue may result in the need for additional orthodontic or prosthetic treatments later on, and in severe cases, it might be necessary to extract all the surrounding teeth.”

He continued, “Missing the optimal timing for treatment can lead to procedures on otherwise healthy teeth that would not have been necessary, resulting in significantly higher costs and longer treatment times, with a higher likelihood of poor outcomes. If a tooth is damaged, it is important to visit the dentist as soon as possible to receive appropriate treatment,” he advised.

Methods to restore missing teeth include bridges, dentures, and implants. The treatment method varies depending on the location of the missing tooth, the condition of the bone, and the state of the surrounding teeth. A representative treatment method, implants, involves placing an artificial root and restoring the tooth crown on top. This allows the structure to be restored without damaging the surrounding teeth.

The duration of implant treatment is determined by the waiting time between ▲tooth extraction and implant placement and ▲the waiting time after implant placement until the prosthetic crown is attached. The traditional process involves waiting about 3 to 4 months after extraction for the bone to fill the space where the tooth root was, then placing the implant. Afterward, waiting more than 3 months allows the bone and implant to fully integrate before attaching the prosthetic crown. Professor Baek Yeon-hwa said, “Recently, advances in implant design, surface treatment methods, and surgical techniques have shortened the treatment period to about 6 to 8 weeks,” adding, “In limited cases, implant surgery and temporary prosthetics can be immediately connected on the day of extraction.”

Professor Baek Yeonhwa, Department of Prosthodontics, Gwanak Seoul National University Dental Hospital
[Photo by Seoul National University Dental Hospital]

Regarding the lifespan of implants, there is a myth that “once implanted, they last a lifetime,” but Professor Baek explained, “Implants are not permanent, and many factors affect their lifespan. If the patient’s bone condition is poor and periodontal disease is severe, the implant’s lifespan is likely to be shorter.” He added, “The patient’s oral hygiene habits, smoking status, and systemic health conditions such as diabetes can also influence the implant’s lifespan. Additionally, dietary habits such as strong chewing force, eating tough and hard foods, bruxism, and habits like clenching teeth that continuously apply strong force to the implant can shorten its lifespan.”

Finally, Professor Baek emphasized, “When implant restoration treatment is completed, it should be considered ‘not the end but the beginning’ of treatment. Continuous care and regular dental visits for check-ups and treatment are recommended.”