08/07/2026
When a tooth is lost, the gap isn't the only thing that changes.
The missing tooth is easy to see, but the changes happening beneath it are much harder to notice.
→ A tooth root helps keep the jawbone stimulated. Once it's gone, the bone in that area can begin to shrink.
→ Bone volume affects your treatment options. Implants and other restorations rely on healthy bone for support.
→ The longer a tooth remains missing, the more bone loss can occur, which can make replacement more complex.
The missing tooth may be what you notice first. The condition of the bone underneath it often has the biggest impact on what comes next.