Around 178 million adults have at least one missing tooth. While this can seem insignificant at first, especially if the gap it leaves behind isn’t noticeable when you smile, that empty space can lead to several problems that affect your oral health. 

Within a few months of losing a permanent tooth, people often notice subtle shifts in how their teeth touch when they bite down, a new rough edge where food gets trapped, or a dull ache in the jaw that wasn’t there before. These early changes can mark the beginning of bone loss, shifting teeth, and bite alignment problems that grow over time.

Read on to learn what happens in the months and years after a tooth is lost and why getting a permanent replacement tooth from the best dentist in Brunswick is the best way to protect your long-term oral health.

Three Reasons You Should Replace a Missing Tooth as Soon as Possible 

A missing tooth can cause a snowball of changes, but early treatment can prevent these problems that build quietly over time. Here are three reasons not to wait for tooth replacement treatment: 

1. Bone Loss in the Jaw

Bone loss begins within a few weeks after a tooth goes missing, and many people don’t realize it’s happening until something feels different in their mouth. This happens because the jawbone relies on the pressure of a tooth root to stay strong, and once that root is gone, the bone starts to shrink. At first, you’ll notice a slight hollow forming where your tooth used to be or your bite starting to feel uneven, as if one side no longer matches the other. This bone loss can cause nearby teeth to shift and even become loose. Over time, it can also change the shape of the face. If you wait even a few months after losing a tooth, you may need a bone graft to replace lost bone before a dental implant can be placed. 

2. Shifting Teeth That Cause Bite Problems and Uneven Wear on Teeth

Many people are surprised by how quickly nearby teeth start to lean or twist toward the empty space left by a missing tooth. This movement can cause your bite to feel misaligned, making chewing less comfortable. When upper and lower teeth no longer meet properly, people may develop TMD symptoms, including jaw clicking, jaw pain, or sore jaw muscles, due to increased stress on the jaw joint

3. Increased Risk of Tooth Decay, Gum Disease, Other Oral Health Issues

A missing tooth often leaves a small hollow in the gums that catches food throughout the day. That gap becomes a hot spot for food to get stuck and plaque to collect. This increases the risk of tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, and persistent bad breath. The accumulation of tartar and plaque in this area increases the risk of gingivitis and, over time, periodontal disease. 

Dental Implants: The Best Long-Term Solution for Tooth Replacement

Dental implants are a popular tooth-replacement option because they feel closest to having a natural tooth back. A dental implant includes a titanium implant that is surgically placed in the jaw and acts in the same way a real root would. This keeps the bone active and prevents the slow deterioration that happens when a space is left empty. 

After getting the implant, you’ll have a temporary crown for three to six months while the implant heals. Once the implant heals, a permanent dental crown is placed. The dental implant is then complete and can last decades with good dental hygiene, including daily brushing and regular dental checkups.

Finding the Best Dentist in Monmouth Junction for Dental Implants

A missing tooth rarely stays a small problem for long. If not replaced, these changes can quickly affect how you chew, how your teeth fit together, and how your jaw remains strong over time. Replacing a tooth early helps protect remaining healthy teeth and reduces the risk of more complex issues later. 

At Brunswick Smiles in Monmouth Junction, we focus on providing thoughtful care with modern dental technology and genuine compassion. We’re also committed to making sure everyone in South Brunswick Township has access to affordable dental care, including dental implants. 

Ready to preserve your smile with natural-looking dental implants from the best dentist in South Brunswick?