By Dr. Jyoti Ganeshkar, Implant Specialist · 10 February 2026 · 5 min read
What happens after a tooth is lost
Within months the adjacent teeth tilt into the space and the tooth in the opposing jaw grows down into it. Bite forces redistribute unevenly, food packs into the new gaps, and the bone that once supported the root begins to resorb.
The bone clock
Roughly a quarter of the ridge width can be lost in the first year after extraction. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to need a graft before an implant becomes possible.
Your options
A dental implant is the closest thing to a natural tooth and does not involve cutting the neighbouring teeth. A bridge is faster but requires preparing the adjacent teeth. A removable partial denture is the most economical option.
The best time to plan
Ideally at the time of extraction. Even if you are not ready for an implant, socket preservation at the time of removal keeps the option open for years.
Related treatment: Dental Implants in Hubli
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