The teeth do more than just allow you to chew and speak clearly. The roots of your teeth also stimulate your jawbone, keeping it healthy and strong. When you lose a tooth, the bone that once supported it begins to deteriorate. This process, called resorption, can have significant consequences for your oral health and facial appearance.
Common Causes of Jaw Bone Loss
Tooth Extraction
After a tooth is removed, the bone that supported it begins to resorb. Without the stimulation provided by the tooth root, the bone will continue to deteriorate over time.
Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth and bone loss. The bacteria that cause gum disease can destroy the bone and tissue supporting your teeth.
Dentures & Bridges
Traditional dentures and bridges do not replace the tooth root, so they do not provide the stimulation needed to maintain the jawbone. Over time, the bone will continue to resorb.
Facial Trauma
Injuries to the jaw can damage bone tissue and disrupt the normal bone maintenance process, leading to bone loss.
Infection
Dental abscesses and other infections can destroy surrounding bone tissue if left untreated.
Tumors
Oral tumors and cysts can cause significant bone destruction requiring surgical removal and reconstruction.
Treatment Options
Dr. Butura offers a comprehensive range of bone grafting procedures to restore lost bone and create a healthy foundation for dental implants:
Socket Preservation
Performed at the time of extraction to prevent bone loss before it starts.
Learn more →Ridge Augmentation
Rebuilds the height and width of the jawbone ridge for implant placement.
Learn more →Nerve Repositioning
Moves the inferior alveolar nerve to allow implant placement in the lower jaw.
Learn more →Concerned About Jaw Bone Loss?
Dr. Butura can evaluate your bone levels and recommend the appropriate bone grafting procedure to restore your jaw and prepare for dental implants. Contact us to schedule a consultation.