Why is it important to replace missing teeth?

The page stresses that living with gaps can affect function, appearance and long-term oral health; timely replacement helps maintain bite, speech and jawbone integrity.

How soon should I replace a missing tooth?

It advises replacing a tooth immediately or within around six months to limit bone resorption and protect gum and bone contours.

Will the neighbouring teeth move?

Yes, drift and tilting into the gap can occur; some teeth may shift quickly after extraction, while others move gradually over years, increasing crack and fracture risk.

Does having missing teeth raise my risk of gum disease?

The page highlights that gum disease is common in adults and a leading cause of tooth loss; managing oral hygiene and professional care is essential to reduce risk.

What are my replacement options?

Options include dental implants, bridges and dentures. The clinic offers finance and online booking to plan treatment.

How can I book and is finance available?

You can book online or call 020 7928 4474. Finance is available via Chrysalis Finance on eligible treatments, subject to status.

Quick Facts About Missing Teeth

Don’t Ignore These Tooth Loss Facts

Sadly, teeth don’t last forever – and without the right care, they will begin to fail over time, leading to serious conditions that can cause teeth to fall out.

Once you have your adult set of teeth, once you lose a tooth, you lose one for good – that is, unless you use prosthetics like implants to replace them.

It’s bad for the future of your smile

If you have tooth loss, here are the facts you need to know – because living with missing teeth is serious and not something you should ever ignore.

Replacing missing teeth is important in rehabilitating the stomatognathic system’s form, function, esthetics, and integrity. There are various treatment options available for replacing missing teeth. Very few patients know all the options and the consequences of not replacing the posterior teeth. Source.

A missing tooth should be replaced within six months if not replaced immediately.

At some point in their tooth loss journey, all missing teeth patients will experience bone loss, especially if they suffer from gum disease. That’s why patients need to replace missing teeth early to keep the jawbone strong and healthy. Bone in the jaw will begin to recede, a process referred to as resorption, usually within six months after losing a tooth.

Your remaining teeth will begin to shift.

Whilst there’s no timetable for when your teeth will begin to shift into the gap, you can expect it as an eventuality. For example, some teeth might move immediately after an extraction, whereas it might take years in other cases. Once teeth have moved, additional forces and pressure are placed onto the remaining teeth, making them more prone to cracks, fractures and breaks.

You’ll likely develop gum disease.

Nearly 46% of adults show signs of gum disease, and every year, more and more people lose their teeth to gum disease over tooth decay. Seeing as gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, you must manage your oral health carefully so as not to lose more teeth. This is especially important as your risk of developing gum disease is amplified when you don’t have any teeth to protect the gums.

Missing teeth is more common than you think

1 in 6 adults have lost all their teeth. Source.

2.2% of adults 20 to 64 years have no remaining teeth. Source.

Those with difficulties accepting tooth loss were more likely to experience depression. Source.

62% of participants viewed job applicants as less employable if they had a decayed or damaged smile. Source.

The replacement of missing teeth with fixed prostheses may protect against cognitive decline. Source.

The need to replace the missing teeth was a function such as mastication of food for 42.6% of the patients, and 36.6% of the patients wanted to replace their missing teeth to improve their appearance. Source.

The most important factor affecting the choice between treatment modalities was damaging the neighbouring teeth. Source.

Maria Than

I chose Mint Dental Clinic after searching for various dental clinics offering sedation and I had an incredible experience thanks to the entire team!! I am terrified of the dentist with a phobia of needles, and I avoid going for check-ups to the point where I developed a huge amount of cavities. After my teeth were analysed by Dr Patel's team, they identified that some of them needed urgent fillings. As sedation is expensive, the team was helpful and patient in helping me figure out the right financial plan to tackle everything before my teeth worsened, including adding extra teeth cleaning for free! I had IV sedation twice for two rounds of fillings across a month, and each time I was put at ease despite coming in the clinic with intense anxiety. I cried as I sat in the chair with the IV in my arm due to my fear of needles. They were kind and patient, and the nurses / sedationists helped calm down my breathing despite the panic. I was terrified of being 'awake' but not being able to communicate or breathe. The team was very reassuring in those fears and I had a lovely experience where I remained conscious but with amnesia, so I had 0 trauma afterwards since you have no memory of anything! The team made me feel heard and supported without being judged. They made sure my chaperone knew everything before bringing me home, and all of my teeth are healthy without any complications post-appointment. I am now ready for routine work without the intense fear of dentistry and feel much more ready to start any dental work WITHOUT sedation in the very near future!

Andrea

The whole team at Mint, starting from the moment you walk through the door (or call up) are focused on providing excellent care. Great reception team and Orman especially, always goes that extra mile. My dentists (Dr Mehdi and Dr Alves) are very personable, thorough and ensured everything was explained clearly, and only proceeded once I'd understood and was content. Whilst in the chair, both dentists were checking in making sure I was doing ok throughout it all. Then at the end, checked I was happy and offered an open-door to return, for some tweaks if necessary. I am very happy with the results. I always feel completely at ease for my visits, so much so that I look forward to them. Highly recommend! >

Adeoye Omowumi

I’m always impressed with the level of care at Mint Dental Clinic. They focus not just on treatment but also on prevention, helping you avoid future dental issues. The dentist is fantastic, and front of house is friendly, welcoming approach adds to the great experience.

Gloria Freifeld

Mint Dental Clinic consistently delivers professional, high-quality care. Dr. Patel is exceptional—thorough, gentle, and genuinely attentive. Elizabeth at the front desk always welcomes you with a warm smile, making every visit feel comfortable from the moment you walk in.

Halil Esen

I’ve had an outstanding experience at this clinic. Dr. Raj Patel delivers exceptional quality work and somehow makes every treatment feel completely painless. It’s amazing having all types of dental care under one roof, and the whole team really focuses on prevention rather than quick fixes. After completing my treatment, I now have a healthy, confident smile that still looks natural. The hygienists are fantastic, and every member of the team is warm, professional, and genuinely invested in your wellbeing. If you’re looking for shortcuts, this isn’t the place for you—but if you want thorough, honest, high-quality dentistry, I can’t recommend this clinic enough.

Tahsin Chowdhury

I’ve had an excellent experience at this dental practice. My hygienist Peter is absolutely brilliant, thorough and incredibly skilled at what he does. He always takes the time to explain everything clearly and makes each visit comfortable. A big shout-out as well to Arman at reception. He’s always friendly, helpful, and efficient, making the whole process from booking to check-in smooth and stress-free. Overall, a fantastic team and a dentist I truly trust. Highly recommend!

Rizwan Limbada

I inquired about Invisalign's earlier this year at this clinic, as I was quite self conscious of my teeth. I had a very insightful conversation with Arman who gave me a thorough explanation regarding the process, treatment, what to expect results wise, and the cost. This then led me to begin my Invisalign journey, and from start to finish it has truly been seamless, immensely effective, and so beneficial. Dr Sharma did an exceptional job throughout, and helped in understanding the developments to expect, how it occurs, and overall making my experience extremely easy and efficient. The service was immaculate from the receptionists, Dr Sharma and his assistant dentist. Also as of recent, I’ve been getting hygiene checkups by Danica and I must say she has been amazing. She explained the anatomy of my teeth and gums in detail, and made me understand much more about dental hygiene and its cruciality. Overall I have no complaints whatsoever, and will 100% refer this clinic to friends and family, as they produce and prioritise high-quality work and service. Extra shout out to Arman as he’s been extremely helpful, and looked after me very well.

Yassim Jama

I highly recommend this dentist. Dr Patel is an exceptional professional, and my family and I have been attending for many years. Since we moved to the Clinic, even my son, who never liked going to the dentist, now looks forward to his visits. The dental hygienist is also excellent. The reception team provide consistently high service, always polite, welcoming and professional.