Leaving an empty socket in your mouth after a tooth extraction can cause a number of problems, such as bone loss in your jaw and the shifting or loosening of teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. A dental implant that looks and functions like a natural tooth can prevent these issues, but it isn't the only option. Bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures can also help prevent oral health issues resulting from missing teeth. Learn more about your options in our blog article "Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth."