Jawbone loss can occur at the site of one or more missing teeth, which can also lead to additional problems including chronic pain, issues with your remaining teeth, altered facial appearance, and potentially the inability to speak and eat normally.

Bone tissue is maintained in the same way muscles are: by use. If teeth are missing, leaving the jawbone without stimulation, the alveolar bone (the portion of the jawbone that anchors teeth) begins to break down or resorb. When the body no longer uses or “needs” the jawbone, it deteriorates and disappears.