Losing a tooth can be of social and psychological concern. When a permanent tooth is lost, the neighboring teeth are affected. Because the support and chewing forces are altered, the remaining teeth will begin to shift. The tooth above or below the one that was lost will begin to move up and out of its socket. This accelerates periodontal (gum) disease and causes further breakdown in the Dental arch. If the missing tooth is not replaced, more teeth will eventually be lost, due to the improper forces exerted during chewing.