Tooth loss is accompanied by loss of tooth supporting bone (bone resorption), shifting of the remaining teeth to a new position, additional bite stress on the remaining teeth, and improper distribution of biting forces. As a consequence the remaining overloaded teeth (particularly those that have been restored) are more susceptible to chipping, cracking, and being lost themselves.

 

Loss of the back (posterior) teeth produces greater force on the temporomandibular joints (jaw joints), and can cause temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).

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In the worst case, tooth loss causes bite collapse (loss of vertical dimension of occlusion), collapse of the lower face height, wrinkling of the facial skin, inability to chew properly, poor nutrition, weight loss (or gain, as the diet changes to soft sugary and fatty foods), digestive problems, cosmetic and confidence issues.