Psychosocial Impact of Missing Anterior Teeth Resulting from Craniofacial Trauma

Abstract

Background: The psychosocial impact of missing front teeth resulting from traumatic injuries is a significant yet underexplored area of research. Objective(s): We investigated how the loss of front teeth affected individuals' psychological well-being, self-esteem, quality of life, and ability to secure social capital during recovery. Method(s): We combined qualitative interviews, quantitative measures, and indices of social capital to assess the psychosocial repercussions of missing anterior teeth in a diverse urban subsample of those seen in a major London trauma centre. Fifty-eight participants with a primary presenting problem of missing anterior teeth were identified from a database of those referred by the maxillofacial trauma team for restorative management between January 2023-December 2024. Result(s): Nearly a quarter of participants (n = 12) reported feelings of shame, embarrassment, hopelessness, and anxiety about the future, requiring in-house psychological input. They also reported social withdrawal, loss of confidence, and reduced access to all major life domains including employment, intimate relationships, and social activities/interests, particularly those requiring public speaking or smiling. Adverse consequences included increased suicidal ideation for several participants, whilst at least one participant reported commissioning crime to fund restorative treatment. Patients reported that restorative interventions-even temporary measures-can play a crucial role in enhancing self-image, reducing psychological distress, and increasing confidence to pursue social capital during recovery. Conclusion(s): This research highlights the need for greater awareness amongst key stakeholders of the multitude of psychosocial challenges associated with missing anterior teeth and the potential benefits of early multidisciplinary intervention, including timely restorative dental treatment.Copyright © 2025