Losing a single tooth may seem like a small problem, but its impact reaches far beyond appearance. Even one missing tooth can disrupt chewing efficiency, alter speech, and cause progressive changes in the jawbone. Research shows that the bone in an untreated extraction site can lose up to 25% of its volume within the first year, with continued resorption over time if no root or implant is present to stimulate the bone (Atwood, 1979; Schropp et al., 2003). The most common reasons for single tooth loss include trauma, advanced tooth decay, and periodontal disease, all of which can compromise not…


