A ‘gap tooth’ is the name given to the space between two teeth. It is also known as diastema. A ‘gap tooth’ occurring between the upper front teeth gives a unique look which many crave for.
Africans associate ‘gap tooth’ with beauty and it is mostly appreciated in women. Some who do not have it envy those who do and in their quest to have the ‘gap tooth’, many end up at quacks who agree to create it for them artificially. These quacks file the teeth to create the gap tooth. Some are lucky to have their teeth filed minimally while the not so lucky ones have their teeth filed extensively and permanently damaged.
Implications of creating an artificial gap tooth:
In rare cases, the ‘gap tooth’ can look natural but the following are the negative effects of creating one artificially:
- Poor aesthetics: the filing of the teeth changes its normal shape and size thereby giving it an unsightly look.
- Sensitivity: this is felt when hot or cold drinks are taken; it results from the filing/removal of the enamel(the outer layer of the tooth).
- Pulp necrosis(death of the tooth) with the tooth changing its colour due to mechanical/thermal injury to the tooth during the artificial ‘gap tooth’ creation.
- Periapical abscess as a result of ‘death of the tooth’ is seen as occasional swelling of the gum with or without pus discharge. If not treated, this could result in tooth mobility with eventual tooth loss.
To restore the shape and size of a tooth destroyed from creation of artificial gap tooth, a tooth colored filling material can be placed. A crown can also be placed. A root canal treatment might be needed for more complex cases of dentinal exposure.
Photo credit: nytimes