The team at Oatlands Dental Lounge helped me in my hour of need. An emergency same day appointment when I couldn’t find one elsewhere.Everyone, from reception to Dr Neil Paryani who looked after my treatment were exceptional. So friendly and welcoming.I can’t speak highly enough of the quality of treatment and advice I received during my visit. If it wasn’t for them I would have ended up at A&E such was the level of pain and anguish I was in at that time.Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
Just over a year ago I finally plucked up the courage to visit a dentist at Oatlands Dental Lounge (thoroughly researched online) for the first time in over 30 years. I had no choice any more, my upper front tooth had fallen out. My gums had been receding for a few years but, because of my fear, I had kept putting it off.I needn't have worried. Neil immediately put me at ease and over the next few weeks outlined the options for treatment, to be taken at my own pace.I now have full dental implants in my upper mouth as well as a crown and a bridge in my lower mouth. I can honestly say that throughout the treatment I have never experienced any pain - discomfort, swelling and bruising from the extraction of my upper teeth and insertion of implant placements for a couple of days, but never any pain. Dentistry has certainly moved on from when I was a child!!It has been a long process but the result is totally worth it and can smile confidently again. I now enjoy my (less frequent) visits to Neil and all the whole team, the receptionists, hygienist, who are all very efficient, friendly and calming.If you are nervous of the dentist, I would thoroughly recommend this practice.
When our son had a traumatic bicycle accident and the old family dentist let us down really badly after a night in A&E, Neil and his staff were simply amazing. This caring, happy, approachable team rapidly organised emergency treatment and set out a plan of action which produced results we barely dared hope were possible. To say they worked a minor miracle is no small understatement (thank you to you all).From the moment you step into reception you feel welcome and at ease, and that sets the tone for whatever your appointment entails.All of us are moving to Oatlands Dental Lounge, and I can now personally recommend Sarah the hygienist as well as Neil.My only regret is that we didn't find them sooner.
The Dentist kept me calm and was super reassuring. Felt NO PAIN at all, not even for the local anaesthetic in the gums. He ensured to answer ALL my questions and saved me from the agony I had in my teeth and headboard have for over a week. He has done what no other dentist has ever done for me. Reassurance, no pain and asked for a follow up. I will definitely use him again.
Oatlands dental lounge has been absolutely outstanding with helping me with fixing my teeth. Neil is amazing and has not only transformed my teeth but restored confidence and professional advice for my teeth. I have received orthodontics and a brace, which I am absolutely over the moon with the results and care from doctor George. Not only medically treating me and restoring my teeth, the hygienist appointments at this clinic are insane, the difference is amazing and my teeth have never looked and felt better. I cannot express how much the dental surgery has helped me.
I had an amazing experience with Neil. He is very professional. He did my front teeth and they look better than ever! I also visit hygienist here regularly and the experience is always very positive. Everyone is very helpful and friendly! Highly recommend!
I highly recommend Omesh and the team at Oatlands for oral surgery. As a nervous dental patient, I’d been putting off having all 4 wisdom teeth extracted until I met with Omesh. His calm & informative approach made the whole process smooth, comfortable and full of genuine care. I’ve been impressed (and relieved!) to have had a pain free experience using sedation & I’ve also been so grateful for the post procedure care too. Thank you so much!
Having had a terrible cosmetic dentistry experience with another dentist in Bristol a few years ago - I was pretty nervous to start the process again. I decided to go with Oatlands after reading their excellent patient reviews and I am so, so glad I did! Neil has been absolutely amazing throughout the whole process of getting my veneers. He really listened to what I wanted to achieve, was honest and professional, and ensured perfection throughout. I couldn't be happier with the service or the results - thank you Neil & the team!
Great hygienist. First time no pain yay! Top work as she showed me the before and after so you known the treatment worked as it should! Couldn’t recommend more!
Yes, living with a missing tooth carries real risks. It can lead to bone loss, gum disease, and shifting teeth. Almost three-quarters of UK adults are missing at least one natural tooth, and 6% have lost all their natural teeth. This page explains what happens in your mouth after tooth loss, how fast the risks build up, and when you should act.
What Happens When You Lose a Tooth?
A tooth root does more than hold a tooth in place. It sends signals to your jawbone every time you bite and chew. This keeps the bone strong. Once a tooth is gone, that signal stops. The bone in that area starts to shrink. This process is called resorption.
Adult teeth do not grow back. Once you lose one, your body will not replace it on its own. The empty socket stays empty unless you choose a replacement, such as a dental implant, bridge, or denture.
Why Teeth Do Not Grow Back
Humans get two sets of teeth in a lifetime: baby teeth, then adult teeth. Once an adult tooth is gone, there is no third set to replace it. This is different from some animals, such as sharks, which regrow teeth throughout their lives. For humans, a missing adult tooth stays missing unless a dentist places a replacement.
This is why dentists focus on protecting adult teeth for the long term, and on offering fast, clear options once a tooth is lost.
How Fast Does Jawbone Loss Happen?
Jawbone loss starts quickly after a tooth is lost. The table below shows the general pattern.
Time Since Tooth Loss
Typical Bone Change
First 3 months
Bone loss begins in the empty socket
12 months
Up to 25% of jawbone width can be lost
3 years
Bone loss continues, though at a slower rate
5+ years
Significant bone volume loss, harder to reverse
Dental implants can stop this process. An implant post sits inside the jawbone, so it keeps sending the same signal a natural tooth root sent. This is one reason dentists suggest early treatment rather than waiting.
Do Nearby Teeth Move After Tooth Loss?
Yes. Teeth next to a gap tend to drift toward the empty space over time. Teeth above or below the gap can also shift, since they no longer meet an opposing tooth when you bite down. This movement can:
Create new gaps between other teeth
Cause your bite to sit unevenly
Make it harder to clean between teeth properly
Lead to more complex, costlier treatment later
Missing Teeth and Chewing Problems
Losing a back tooth, such as a molar or premolar, affects chewing more than losing a front tooth. Molars do most of the work breaking down food. Without one, people often shift chewing to the other side of the mouth. This uneven use can strain the jaw joint over time.
Some patients also avoid certain foods, such as tough meat, raw vegetables, or nuts. Over time, this can narrow the range of foods in a person’s diet.
Missing Teeth and Nutrition
Chewing breaks food down before it enters the stomach. When chewing is harder, some people switch to softer, easier-to-eat foods. Over time, this can narrow a diet and reduce the range of nutrients a person eats each day. This effect is more noticeable in people with several missing teeth, rather than just one.
Missing Teeth and Speech
Front teeth help shape certain sounds, especially “s,” “f,” and “th” sounds. A missing front tooth can cause a slight whistle or lisp when speaking. Back teeth have less effect on speech, though a large gap in the back of the mouth can still change how air moves when you talk.
Multiple Missing Teeth: Extra Risks
The risks above grow with each additional missing tooth. Two or more gaps can:
Speed up bone loss across a wider area of the jaw
Reduce chewing surface area further, adding more strain to remaining teeth
Increase the chance of a shifting bite pattern across the whole mouth
Make future replacement more complex, since more bone and gum planning is needed
Patients with multiple missing teeth often need a wider treatment plan, such as several implants, an implant-supported bridge, or a full denture, rather than a single tooth replacement.
Missing Teeth and Gum Disease Risk
An empty tooth socket changes how food and plaque sit in your mouth. Gaps are harder to clean fully with a normal toothbrush. This raises the risk of plaque buildup, which can lead to gum disease. Gum disease has also been linked to other health issues, including heart problems and diabetes, in ongoing research.
Untreated gum disease can then damage the bone and gum around nearby teeth, which raises the risk of losing more teeth over time.
Missing Teeth and Jaw Joint Pain
Your jaw joint, known as the TMJ, works best when your bite is even. A missing tooth can shift how your jaw closes, since your teeth no longer meet the way they used to. Over time, this uneven bite can add strain to the jaw joint. Some patients notice clicking, soreness, or tension headaches linked to this uneven pressure. Not everyone with a missing tooth develops jaw pain, but the risk rises the longer a gap is left untreated, especially with more than one missing tooth.
Can a Missing Tooth Change Your Face Shape?
Yes, over time. Jawbone loss does not just affect the tooth socket. As bone shrinks, the lower third of the face can lose support. This can make cheeks look more hollow and can add a more sunken look around the mouth. These changes usually take months or years to become noticeable, not days.
How Common Is Tooth Loss in the UK?
Tooth loss becomes more common with age. Recent UK data shows a clear pattern:
Age Group
Adults With No Natural Teeth
35 to 44
1%
55 to 64
5%
65 to 74
15%
75 to 84
31%
85 and over
47%
These figures show complete tooth loss, not single missing teeth. Losing one or two teeth is far more common and can happen at any adult age, through decay, gum disease, or injury.
When Should You Replace a Missing Tooth?
Most dentists recommend treatment within the first few months of tooth loss. This limits bone loss and lowers the risk of nearby teeth shifting. Waiting years does not make treatment impossible, but it often means more steps are needed first, such as bone grafting, before a replacement can go in.
Signs You Should See a Dentist About a Missing Tooth
You have a visible gap from a lost or extracted tooth
Nearby teeth feel like they are shifting or loosening
You notice food getting stuck in the gap after eating
You avoid chewing on one side of your mouth
Your bite feels different from how it used to
You notice a change in your face shape or cheek support
Any one of these signs is a reason to book a check-up, even if the missing tooth does not hurt.
What to Expect at a Missing Tooth Consultation
A consultation for a missing tooth usually follows these steps.
Examination. Your dentist checks the gap, nearby teeth, and your bite.
X-ray or scan. This shows how much bone remains in the area.
Discussion of options. Your dentist explains implants, bridges, and dentures, based on your bone health and goals.
Cost and timeline. You receive a clear plan, including cost and how long treatment will take.
Next steps. If you go ahead, your dentist books the next appointment, whether that is a scan, extraction, or the start of implant treatment.
Ways to Replace a Missing Tooth
Option
How It Works
Typical UK Cost
Dental implant
A titanium post is placed in the jawbone, topped with a crown
£1,400 to £3,500 per tooth
Dental bridge
A false tooth is fixed to the teeth on either side of the gap
£500 to £1,200 per tooth
Partial denture
A removable plate holds one or more false teeth
£300 to £1,000
Dental implants are the only option that also protects the jawbone, since the post replaces the root, not just the visible tooth. Independent data shows 95.4% of dental implants are still working after 10 years or more, which makes them a durable option for most patients.
Bridges and dentures replace the visible part of a tooth, but they sit on top of the gum or attach to nearby teeth. Neither one sends a signal into the jawbone, so bone loss can continue underneath a bridge or denture, even though the gap looks filled. This is the main trade-off between cost and long-term bone health when choosing a replacement option.
How Long Does Dental Implant Treatment Take?
Implant treatment usually happens in stages, rather than in one visit.
Stage
Typical Timeframe
Consultation and scan
1 appointment
Implant placement surgery
1 appointment, 30 to 90 minutes
Healing and bone integration
2 to 6 months
Crown fitting
1 to 2 appointments after healing
Some cases qualify for a same-day crown, though most implants need a healing period before the final crown is fitted. Your dentist will confirm your own timeline after checking your bone health.
The Cost of Waiting vs Acting Early
Cost is often the reason patients delay treatment. But waiting can raise the final bill, not lower it. A straightforward implant placed within a year of tooth loss often needs no extra steps. Waiting several years can mean a bone graft is needed first, since there may not be enough bone left to hold an implant safely. A bone graft adds an extra procedure, a longer healing time, and an added cost on top of the implant itself.
Scenario
Extra Steps Needed
Added Cost
Implant within 6 to 12 months of tooth loss
Usually none
None beyond the implant itself
Implant after 2 to 4 years
Bone graft may be needed
Bone graft can add £300 to £800 or more
Implant after 5+ years, several teeth missing
Bone graft, sometimes a sinus lift
Higher overall cost, longer treatment time
This is why dentists usually recommend acting sooner rather than later, even if the missing tooth is not causing pain right now.
Who Is More at Risk of Tooth Loss?
Some factors raise the risk of losing teeth in the first place, which then leads to the same bone and bite risks described above. These include:
Smoking, which slows healing and raises gum disease risk
Poor oral hygiene, allowing plaque and tartar to build up
Untreated gum disease, a leading cause of adult tooth loss
Diabetes, which is linked to a higher rate of gum disease
Grinding or clenching teeth at night, which can crack or loosen teeth
Regular check-ups help catch these risk factors early, before a tooth is lost.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long?
The longer a gap is left untreated, the more the surrounding bone and teeth are affected. This can lead to:
Less bone available for a future implant, sometimes requiring a bone graft first
Shifted teeth that need straightening before a replacement fits properly
A higher chance of losing additional teeth due to shifting bite pressure
A more noticeable change in facial support over time
Living with one missing tooth for a short time is not usually a medical emergency. But the risks build up the longer the gap stays untreated.
Book a Missing Tooth Consultation in Weybridge
If you have a missing tooth, Oatlands Dental Lounge can check your jawbone health and talk you through your replacement options, including dental implants. We are based at Napier House, 62-64 Bridge Street, Walton-on-Thames, near Weybridge. Call 01932 507637 to book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it dangerous to live with one missing tooth? One missing tooth is not an immediate danger to your health. Over months and years, it raises your risk of bone loss, shifting teeth, and gum disease.
How fast does bone loss happen after losing a tooth? Bone loss can begin within the first few months. Up to 25% of jawbone width can be lost within the first 12 months.
Can a missing tooth affect my other teeth? Yes. Teeth next to and opposite a gap can shift position over time, since they no longer have a neighbour to hold them in place.
Do I need to replace a back tooth that no one can see? Yes, replacement is still worth considering. Back teeth do most of the chewing work, and the bone loss risk applies no matter where the missing tooth sits.
What is the best replacement option for a missing tooth? This depends on your case. Dental implants protect the jawbone and last the longest for most patients, while bridges and dentures cost less upfront but do not stop bone loss.
How long do dental implants last? Data shows 95.4% of dental implants remain in place after 10 years or longer, with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups.
Can I wait a few years before replacing a missing tooth? You can, but bone loss and tooth shifting continue during that time. This can make treatment more complex and may raise the final cost.
Does a missing tooth cause bad breath? It can. Food and bacteria can build up in the gap more easily than on a smooth tooth surface, which can add to bad breath if the area is not cleaned well.
Will a bridge or denture stop bone loss? No. Bridges and dentures replace the visible tooth but do not send signals into the jawbone the way a natural root or an implant post does. Bone loss can continue underneath them.
Is a missing tooth linked to headaches? It can be, in some cases. An uneven bite caused by a missing tooth can add strain to the jaw joint, which some patients link to tension headaches.
How much does it cost to replace a single missing tooth in the UK? A single dental implant typically costs between £1,400 and £3,500 in the UK. A bridge usually costs less upfront, from around £500 to £1,200 per tooth, while a partial denture can start from around £300.
Do I need a bone graft before getting an implant? Not always. A bone graft is only needed if a scan shows there is not enough bone left to hold the implant securely. This is more common after several years without a replacement.
