Possible causes
Common possible causes.
Previous extraction because of decay or infection
Gum disease and loss of tooth support
Dental trauma
A tooth that never developed or erupted
Warning signs
Signs worth paying attention to.
Difficulty chewing on the affected side
Movement or drifting of nearby teeth
Changes in the bite
Pain, swelling or unresolved symptoms at a recent extraction site
When to seek care
When to see a dentist.
Arrange an assessment if you want to understand replacement options or if the missing tooth is affecting function or confidence.
The dentist may need to assess the gums, neighbouring teeth and available bone before recommending an option.
Why assessment matters
Similar symptoms can have different causes.
The most appropriate next step depends on the cause of the symptom, your oral health and what is found during assessment.
The information on this page can help you understand the concern, but it should not be used to choose treatment without professional assessment.
Explore further
Related dental treatments
These links are provided for further reading. A related treatment is not necessarily suitable for every person experiencing this symptom.