When you have a tooth extraction, you are left with an empty socket. The part of the bone surrounding your previous tooth will start degenerating and weaken over time if you do not have anything to support it. Gradually, your jawbone can decrease in size and lose its overall density, potentially leading to an array of problems. To keep your bone from deteriorating, you can have dental implants placed to provide support for the missing tooth and surrounding bone.nnFor patients who are missing teeth, the missing tooth gap can cause neighboring teeth to shift crookedly towards the gap, pulling your teeth out of normal position, affecting your ability to chew, your bite, and your appearance. It can lead to interference that makes it harder later on to get a tooth replacement. A poor bite could also cause problems with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which could lead to headaches and jaw pain.