12/16/2025
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it no longer receives stimulation from chewing. As a result, the body begins to break down the unused bone — a process called bone resorption.
Research shows that up to 25% of the jawbone can be lost within the first year if a missing tooth is not replaced. This bone loss mainly affects the alveolar bone, which supports the teeth, and it progresses most rapidly during the first 6–12 months.
Over time, bone loss can lead to shifting teeth, bite problems, facial changes, and difficulty placing dental implants later. What starts as a single missing tooth can gradually affect overall oral health.
Replacing missing teeth early — especially with options that restore chewing forces — helps preserve jawbone strength, facial structure, and long-term dental health.
