When an adult tooth is extracted and not replaced, it can lead to deterioration of the jawbone. Natural teeth play a crucial role in stimulating the jawbone through activities like chewing and biting. However, when a tooth is missing, the alveolar bone, which anchors the teeth in the mouth, no longer receives this necessary stimulation. As a result, the bone begins to break down or resorb because the body perceives it as no longer needed.

The rate and extent of bone deterioration can vary significantly among individuals. However, in most cases, the majority of bone loss occurs within the first eighteen months following the extraction and continues gradually throughout life. It’s essential to address missing teeth promptly to prevent or minimize the long-term consequences of jawbone deterioration.

This can be mostly prevented by a socket grafting (ridge preservation) procedure, which must be done at the time of extraction. If you intend to replace the tooth to be extracted in the future, a socket grafting procedure is an inexpensive and predictable way to minimise the loss of bone volume.