When one or more teeth are missing it can lead to bone loss at the site of the space. This loss of jaw bone can develop into additional problems, both with your appearance and your overall health. 

In the same way that muscles are maintained through exercise, bone tissue is maintained by use. Natural teeth are embedded in the jaw bone and stimulate the jaw bone through activities such as chewing and biting. When teeth are missing, the alveolar bone, or the portion of the jaw bone that anchors the teeth into the mouth, no longer receives the necessary stimulation it needs and begins to break down, or resorb. This is the major reason why dental implants are indicated, to preserve jaw bone.