When a person loses a tooth, whether it’s from an accident or due to an extraction, the obvious concern is usually aesthetic. Beyond that, though, a missing tooth can cause serious issues in your mouth.

The new gap will allow for the surrounding teeth to tilt and shift in the newly free space. This can cause severe problems with your bite and could lead to pain in the jaw and headaches. In addition, a missing tooth (or missing teeth) may lead to a vertical shortening of the face, which becomes more obvious with age.

It’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible after losing a tooth so that a replacement tooth can be inserted, preventing any further issues caused by the gap.