Maintaining the health of your jawbone is crucial for a strong and functional smile. However, when teeth are missing, the underlying jawbone can begin to deteriorate, leading to a host of complications. Understanding the causes of jawbone loss and how it impacts your oral health is the first step in preventing further damage.
Book an appointmentThe following are the most common causes of jawbone deterioration and loss that may require a bone grafting procedure:
When an adult tooth is removed and not replaced, jawbone deterioration may occur. The rate at which the bone deteriorates, as well as the amount of bone loss that occurs, varies greatly among individuals. However, most loss occurs within the first 18 months following the extraction and will continue gradually throughout your life.
Periodontitis is caused by bacteria that adhere to the tooth’s surface and an overly aggressive immune response to these bacteria. If gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, the supporting gum tissue and bone that hold teeth in place deteriorate. The progressive loss of the alveolar bone can lead to the loosening and subsequent loss of teeth.
Unanchored dentures are placed on top of the gum line, but they do not directly stimulate the underlying alveolar bone. Over time, the lack of stimulation causes the bone to resorb and deteriorate. Because this type of denture relies on the bone to hold them in place, people often experience loosening of their dentures and problems eating and speaking. Eventually, bone loss may become so severe that dentures with strong adhesives cannot be held in place, and a new set may be required. Proper denture care, repair, and refitting are essential to maintaining oral health.
With bridgework, the teeth on either side of the appliance provide sufficient stimulation to the bone, but the portion of the bridge that spans the gap where the teeth are missing receives no direct stimulation. Bone loss can occur in this area.
By completing a bone graft procedure, Dr. Butura can restore bone function and growth, halting the effects of poor denture care.
When a tooth is knocked out or broken to the extent that no biting surface is left below the gum line, bone stimulation stops, which results in jawbone loss. Some common forms of tooth and jaw trauma include teeth knocked out from injury or accident, jaw fractures, or teeth with a history of trauma that may die and lead to bone loss years after the initial trauma.
A bone grafting procedure would be necessary to reverse the effects of bone deterioration, restore function, and promote new bone growth in traumatized areas.
Misalignment issues can create a situation in the mouth where some teeth no longer have an opposing tooth structure. The unopposed tooth can over-erupt, causing deterioration to the underlying bone.
Issues such as TMJ problems, normal wear-and-tear, and lack of treatment can also create abnormal physical forces that interfere with the teeth’s ability to grind and chew properly. When the bone loses stimulation, bone deterioration can occur over time.
Osteomyelitis is a type of bacterial infection in the bone and bone marrow of the jaw. This infection leads to inflammation, which can cause a reduction of blood supply to the bone. Treatment for osteomyelitis generally requires antibiotics and the removal of the affected bone. A bone graft procedure may be required to restore bone function and growth lost during removal.
Benign facial tumors, though generally non-threatening, may grow large and require the removal of a portion of the jaw. Malignant mouth tumors almost always spread into the jaw, requiring the removal of the affected section. In both cases, reconstructive bone grafting is usually required to help restore normal function to the jaw. Grafting in patients with malignant tumors may be more challenging because treatment of the cancerous tumor generally requires the removal of the surrounding soft tissues as well.
Some conditions or syndromes are characterized by missing portions of the teeth, facial bones, jaw, or skull. Dr. Butura may be able to perform a bone graft procedure to restore bone function and growth where it may be absent.
When molars are removed from the upper jaw, air pressure from the air cavity in the maxilla (maxillary sinus) causes the bone that formerly helped keep the teeth in place to resorb. As a result, the sinuses become enlarged, a condition called hyperpneumatized sinus.
This condition usually develops over several years and may result in insufficient bone from the placement of dental implants. Dr. Butura can perform a sinus lift procedure to treat enlarged sinuses.
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Don’t let jawbone deterioration compromise your quality of life. If you’re experiencing tooth loss or other issues affecting your jawbone, schedule a consultation with Dr. Butura today to explore bone grafting and other restorative options.
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