Losing permanent teeth can be distressing, especially for children or teens. Often times, the first thought is – will a new permanent tooth grow back in its place? Unfortunately, the answer is no – once a permanent tooth is lost, it cannot grow back. However, there are treatment options available to replace missing permanent teeth and restore your smile.
Why permanent teeth don’t grow back
Permanent teeth, also known as adult teeth, are meant to last for life. Each person gets one set of permanent teeth, a total of 32, by the time they reach their early teens. Permanent teeth are different than baby (primary) teeth because they cannot be replaced if lost or damaged.
Here’s why permanent teeth don’t grow back:
- The cells that help teeth grow, called odontoblasts, are lost after permanent teeth come in. So new permanent teeth have no way to develop.
- The roots of permanent teeth fuse to the jawbone in a process called ankylosis. This stabilizes the teeth but removes the tissue required for additional growth.
- People have a limited number of tooth buds that contain the instructions and stem cells to grow teeth. Once permanent teeth develop, the tooth buds are gone.
While permanent teeth can’t regrow, their replacements can be anchored in the jawbone, just like natural teeth. The key is choosing the right tooth replacement option.
Tooth replacement options for missing permanent teeth
If you lose one or more permanent teeth, whether from injury, decay, or disease, it’s important to replace them. Leaving empty spaces can cause dental problems like:
- Shifting or misalignment of surrounding teeth
- Difficulty chewing and speaking
- Jawbone deterioration
- Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease
Here are some of the most common ways to replace missing permanent teeth:
Dental implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that fuse to the jawbone through osseointegration. A crown is placed on top to mimic the shape and color of a natural tooth. Implants are durable, stable, and preserve bone to prevent atrophy in the area.
Bridges
A bridge spans the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It is anchored on either side to healthy, natural teeth crowns (or implants) and has false teeth fused between to replace those that are missing.
Removable partial or full dentures
Partial or full dentures are removable appliances with artificial teeth attached to a plastic base. Partials fill in gaps from one or more missing teeth while full dentures replace all teeth in an arch. Denture wearers remove them for cleaning.
Dental bonding
Bonding can repair chipped or cracked permanent teeth using a composite resin material matched to the tooth color. It can also improve the look of discolored or misshapen teeth. The material bonds directly to the tooth surface.
Caring for permanent teeth
Since permanent teeth can’t grow back, it’s vital to take good care of the ones you have. Follow these tips:
- Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once per day
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet low in sugars
- Drink lots of water instead of sugary drinks
- Avoid tobacco products
- See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings
Practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding tooth damage can help your permanent teeth last for life. Be sure to act quickly if a tooth is lost or requires extraction. Replacing it early on will give you the best results.
Conclusion
Permanent teeth do not grow back if they are lost or damaged. Since permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, it’s critical to replace any that are missing to prevent oral health problems. Today’s tooth replacement options like dental implants closely mimic natural teeth in appearance, function, and feel. With proper care, your permanent teeth and any replacements can remain functional for many years.