When one or more teeth are missing, more often than not, it will lead to jawbone degradation and loss at the site. This loss of jawbone can develop into additional problems, both cosmetically (the appearance) and functionally (your overall dental/medical health). In that same way that muscles are maintained through exercise, bone tissue is maintained by use.

 

Natural teeth are embedded in the jawbone, and stimulate the jawbone through activities such as chewing and biting. When teeth are missing, the alveolar bone, or the portion of the jawbone that anchors the teeth in the mouth, no longer receives the necessary stimulation, and begins to break down, or resorb. What the body no longer uses or “needs” it gets rid of, the same applies to the jawbone, so if unused it deteriorates and goes away.

​