The Consequences of Missing Teeth: Advice from Our Dental Office
- patkoncz2407
- Dec 30, 2025
- 2 min read
Many adults and seniors understand that losing a tooth affects their smile, but the change beneath the gums is often a surprise. The disappearance of a tooth initiates a process of bone atrophy that can impact the entire facial structure. At our dental offices in Ajax and Scarborough, our dentists and dental team prioritize educating patients on the long-term consequences of tooth loss and the importance of timely intervention.
Understanding the Jawbone’s Dependency
The jawbone, particularly the alveolar bone that anchors the teeth, is maintained through daily functional load, or chewing. The moment a tooth is lost, that crucial stimulation ceases. This lack of use prompts the body to resorb the bone tissue, a process that is frequently rapid and significant.
Research confirms that the dimensional changes are substantial, with systematic reviews showing that the jawbone width can be reduced by up to 29-63% in the initial 6-7 months post-extraction (Tan et al., 2012). Importantly, these reviews also indicate a significant and irreversible loss of vertical bone height in the alveolar ridge, which is critical for the success of future replacements (Van der Weijden et al., 2009). This bone degradation is the primary reason why the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) stresses the importance of replacing missing teeth, highlighting that tooth loss can lead to difficulties in chewing and speech (Ontario Dental Association, s.d., Tooth loss).
The Widespread Impact of Bone Atrophy
The effects of bone loss are not isolated. Over time, the reduced bone height and width compromise the foundation of the entire mouth, leading to issues such as:
Gum Disease Progression: Bone loss often accompanies periodontitis (gum disease), making the tissues less resilient and accelerating the problem (Ontario Dental Association, s.d., Gum disease).
Aesthetic and Functional Changes: The reduction in bone volume can diminish support for the facial tissues and complicates the placement of dental implants. Implants are the closest option to natural teeth for restoring chewing forces and require adequate bone foundation (Johnson, 2006).
Preserving Function with Comprehensive Dental Care
The goal of our dental team is to provide efficient and effective dental care, offering comprehensive dental services including dental implants for replacing missing teeth. Whether you're missing one tooth, several, or need support for dentures, implants offer a strong, natural-looking, and permanent solution. Anchored securely into your jawbone, they function just like your natural teeth, helping you chew, speak, and smile with total confidence.
Thanks to advancements in materials, techniques, and digital technology, dental implant procedures are now more accessible and affordable than ever before. It’s a modern, state-of-the-art treatment that can truly transform your oral health and your life.
Protecting your jawbone is fundamental to maintaining a stable bite, comfortable chewing, and facial harmony throughout your adult and senior years.
Do you have a missing tooth? Contact By The Lake Dental, your favourite dental office in Ajax and Scarborough, and book your appointment today.
Why Choose By The Lake Dental:
✅ +15 years caring for our community’s oral health needs
✅ A Platinum+ Invisalign dental office
✅ Direct billing to benefit provider
✅ Cutting-edge technology
✅ Full service family care
✅ Concierge experience
𝗪𝗲'𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦
Call us today: Ajax 905-428-2111, Highland Creek 416-284-8282.
