18/05/2026
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area no longer receives the stimulation it depends on to stay strong.
Every day, teeth transmit tiny forces into the jaw during chewing and swallowing. These forces travel through the periodontal ligament — the tissue that connects the tooth to the surrounding bone — helping the jawbone continuously remodel and maintain its strength. But once a tooth is missing, that stimulation disappears.
The body then begins to break down the unused bone in that area — a process called bone resorption. First, the bone that once supported the tooth starts shrinking in width, then in height, and gradually in overall volume. Research shows the jawbone ridge can lose up to 25% of its width within the first year after tooth loss, with the fastest changes often occurring during the first 6–12 months.
As the bone shrinks, the gum tissue can also recede. Nearby teeth may begin to shift, chewing efficiency may decrease, speech can change, and bite problems may develop over time. The more teeth that are lost, the greater the loss of support and function.
And the changes may not stop there. As bone loss progresses, the deeper jawbone beneath it can also begin to resorb. Over time, the lower face may lose structural support, causing the cheeks to appear more sunken and the distance between the nose and chin to shorten, contributing to a prematurely aged appearance.
Replacing missing teeth early, especially with options that help restore normal chewing forces, can help preserve jawbone strength, facial support, and long-term oral function.
đź“„ References:
•doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2011.02375.x.
PMID: 22211303.
•doi: 10.1177/1758736012456543. PMID: 22924065
