Signs of Jawbone Loss
Causes and Solutions for Jawbone Loss and Deterioration
Jawbone loss and deterioration for those in the Conway, SC area can occur due to a variety of reasons, impacting both the function and appearance of your smile. At Rollar Oral Surgery, we help patients understand the underlying causes that are essential in addressing these issues and determine the best course of treatment. From missing teeth and gum disease to trauma and developmental conditions, each factor plays a unique role in weakening the jawbone. Fortunately, modern advancements like bone grafting can help restore lost bone.
Below, we’ll explore some of the most common causes of jawbone deterioration and how they can be treated. Don't wait to take action if you're concerned about jawbone loss or deterioration. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore personalized treatment options.
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Recognizing the Signs of Jawbone Loss
Jawbone loss can happen gradually, and many people don’t realize it’s occurring until noticeable changes appear. If you’ve experienced loose or shifting teeth, receding gums, or changes in how your dentures fit, these may be early signs of bone deterioration beneath the surface. In more advanced cases, you might notice a sunken appearance around your mouth or jaw, difficulty chewing, or changes in your facial profile.
These symptoms can affect both your oral health and overall confidence. If you’ve noticed any of these changes—or if you’ve had missing teeth, gum disease, or long-term denture use—it’s important to schedule a consultation. Our team can assess your bone health and discuss treatment options to restore stability and prevent further loss. Early intervention makes a big difference.
Reasons for Jawbone Loss and Deterioration
The following are the most common causes for jawbone deterioration and loss:
Tooth Extractions without replacement
Tooth Extractions Without Replacement – When you lose an adult tooth and it’s not replaced; your jawbone may start to weaken over time. Natural teeth are embedded in the jawbone and keep it healthy by stimulating it during everyday actions like chewing and biting. Without that stimulation, the alveolar bone, which is the part of the jaw that holds your teeth in place, begins to shrink and break down. Essentially, the body assumes the jawbone is no longer needed and starts to let it fade. The speed and extent of this bone loss can vary from person to person, but the most significant changes typically happen within the first 18 months after the tooth is removed.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a persistent infection that gradually breaks down the structures supporting your natural teeth. These infections can affect the gums, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum. While various conditions can impact these tooth-supporting structures, the majority stem from plaque-induced inflammation, which is divided into two main types: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis, the milder form, always comes before periodontitis, but doesn’t always progress to it.
Dentures
Traditional unanchored dentures rest directly on the gums but don’t provide the stimulation your underlying alveolar bone needs to stay healthy. Without this stimulation, the bone gradually deteriorates over time. Since unanchored dentures rely on this bone for support, bone loss can cause them to loosen, making it harder to eat or speak. In severe cases, the bone may erode so much that even strong adhesives can’t keep the dentures in place, requiring a replacement. The good news is that bone loss doesn’t have to be permanent. With advanced bone grafting techniques, our surgeon can restore bone growth and function, helping to preserve your smile and improve long-term denture stability.
Trauma
When a tooth is severely damaged or completely knocked out, leaving no biting surface below the gum line, it can lead to the loss of jawbone stimulation. Over time, this causes the bone to deteriorate. Common causes of tooth and jaw trauma include accidents that knock out teeth, jaw fractures, or old injuries to teeth that may lead to bone loss years later. To address this, our surgeons can perform a bone grafting procedure that restores lost bone, encouraging new growth, and bringing functionality back to the affected area.
Misalignment
When teeth are misaligned, they can sometimes lose their matching counterpart to bite against. This leaves certain teeth unopposed, which may lead to over-eruption and weakening of the supporting bone over time. Additionally, issues like TMJ disorders, untreated oral problems, or everyday wear and tear can create uneven pressure on your teeth, disrupting their ability to chew and function as they should. Without proper stimulation, the underlying bone can gradually start to weaken and deteriorate.
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a severe bacterial infection that affects the bone and bone marrow of the jaw. This infection triggers inflammation, which can disrupt the blood supply to the affected area, leading to further complications. Treating osteomyelitis typically involves a combination of antibiotics and surgical removal of the damaged bone. In many cases, a bone graft may be necessary afterward to restore the lost bone’s function and support proper growth.
Tumors
Benign facial tumors are typically harmless, but they can sometimes grow large enough to necessitate the removal of part of the jaw. On the other hand, malignant mouth tumors are more aggressive and almost always invade the jawbone, requiring surgical removal of the affected area. In both situations, reconstructive bone grafting is key to restoring jaw function. However, grafting for malignant tumors can be more complex, as removing the cancer often involves removing surrounding soft tissues.
Developmental Deformities
Certain birth defects can lead to missing parts of the teeth, facial bones, jaw, or skull, impacting both function and appearance. Our surgeon is skilled in performing bone graft procedures to restore missing bone, promoting proper growth and function.
Sinus Deficiencies
When upper molars are removed, the bone that once supported them can gradually be lost due to the air pressure from the maxillary sinus. Over time, this can cause the sinus to expand, a condition known as sinus hyperpneumatization. This gradual change often leaves insufficient bone for placing dental implants, which can be frustrating for patients seeking a permanent solution. Fortunately, Our surgeon offers a specialized procedure called a sinus lift to restore the necessary bone structure and make implant placement possible.
Protect Your Jaw and Your Smile
If you're experiencing any of these challenges, consult with our skilled team to explore the best solutions for your needs and ensure a healthier, more confident future.