Teeth need each other for support and function. When you lose a tooth, the biting forces change on the teeth adjacent to the space. In addition, the opposing teeth no longer have anything to chew against, so they can erupt out of their sockets. These changes can create areas around the teeth that can be difficult to keep clean, causing the potential for tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Changes in the bite can also put additional forces on shifted teeth which can lead to lose teeth and loss of bone structure, especially if periodontal disease is already present.
When teeth are missing, a fixed bridge may be a good option for replacement. A dental bridge is a great way to maintain a stable bite and restore your smile. It can also prevent other dental issues such as shifting teeth, loss of bone in the jaw, difficulty chewing and pain in the jaw joint.