Sometimes a person opts to not replace a missing tooth that either was lost due to trauma or was extracted. This is a bad idea. First, without the pressure from the missing tooth, the adjacent teeth tend to slide over into the gap. This affects your smile, your bite, and your self-confidence. Also, a missing tooth can make you avoid certain foods. It can create a whistling sound when talking. And it can lead to deterioration of the jawbone beneath the missing tooth or teeth.