{"id":30957,"date":"2026-06-23T15:42:59","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T13:42:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gloss-floss.se\/?page_id=30957"},"modified":"2026-06-23T15:43:01","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T13:43:01","slug":"what-happens-if-you-do-not-replace-a-missing-tooth","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.gloss-floss.se\/en\/gloss-floss-answers\/what-happens-if-you-do-not-replace-a-missing-tooth\/","title":{"rendered":"What happens if you do not replace a missing tooth?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Gloss & Floss Answers \u00b7 Dental Implants<\/p>\n\n

What happens if you do not replace a missing tooth?<\/h1>\n\n

\n Author: Gloss & Floss Dental Care\u00ae \u00b7 Clinically reviewed by a dentist at Gloss & Floss Dental Care\u00ae\n <\/p>\n\n

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Short answer<\/h2>\n

If you do not replace a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth may slowly shift, the opposing tooth may over-erupt, chewing forces can change and the jawbone in the missing-tooth area may shrink over time. Not every missing tooth must always be replaced, but the space should be assessed. The best decision depends on which tooth is missing, your bite, bone support, gum health, neighbouring teeth and long-term treatment goals.<\/p>\n <\/section>\n\n

Why a missing tooth can affect more than the gap<\/h2>\n

A missing tooth does not only leave an empty space. Teeth work together as part of a chewing system. When one tooth is lost, the neighbouring teeth, opposing tooth, gums, jawbone and bite may gradually adapt to the change.<\/p>\n

Some changes happen slowly and may not hurt at first. This is why patients sometimes wait until the space becomes harder to restore, food starts trapping, the bite changes or the surrounding teeth begin to tilt.<\/p>\n\n

What can happen if a missing tooth is not replaced?<\/h2>\n