What Happens To Bone After A Tooth Is Removed?

In this episode of Taking the Fear Out of Dentistry, Dr. Mason Haley explains what happens to the jawbone after a tooth is removed and why planning ahead matters. When a tooth root is gone, the bone no longer gets the same chewing signal, so the ridge can shrink and change shape over time. Dr. Mason breaks down how missing teeth can affect nearby teeth, chewing, bite balance, and future treatment options. He also reviews common replacement choices, including doing nothing, a removable partial denture, a bridge, and dental implants. The episode highlights why implants are often a strong long-term option because they replace the root area and can feel more like a natural tooth. Dr. Mason also shares that Wahpeton Family Dentistry places and restores dental implants in the practice, and that he is an Associate Fellow in the Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID).