Top Oral Surgeon Falcon, Peyton, Limon, Colorado Springs and surrounding areas
Reasons for Jaw Bone Loss and Deterioration
The following are the most common causes for jaw bone deterioration and loss that may require a bone grafting procedure:
Tooth Extractions
When an adult tooth is removed and not replaced, the jawbone may begin to deteriorate. Natural teeth stimulate the jawbone through activities like chewing and biting, helping to maintain its strength and density. Without this stimulation, the alveolar bone (the part of the jaw that holds teeth in place) starts to break down, a process known as bone resorption.
Over time, the body recognizes that the bone is no longer needed and gradually absorbs it, leading to a loss of jaw structure. The rate and extent of bone loss vary from person to person, but the most significant deterioration typically occurs within the first 18 months after extraction and continues slowly over time.
If you’re considering a tooth extraction, discussing tooth replacement options early can help preserve your jawbone and prevent long-term complications.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a progressive infection that affects the gums and the structures supporting your teeth, including the alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, cementum, and gingiva. If left untreated, it can lead to bone loss, tooth instability, and even tooth loss.
There are two primary stages of periodontal disease:
Gingivitis – The early, milder stage, which causes red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. Gingivitis is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional dental care.
Periodontitis – A more advanced stage, where gum inflammation leads to bone loss and deep pockets between the gums and teeth. Without treatment, this can cause teeth to become loose or fall out.
The primary cause of periodontal disease is dental plaque, a sticky, bacteria-laden film that forms on the teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which can accumulate both above and below the gumline. The bacteria in plaque and tartar produce toxins that trigger an inflammatory response, gradually damaging gum tissue and the underlying bone.
As periodontitis progresses, the alveolar bone that supports the teeth begins to break down, increasing the risk of tooth loss. A combination of professional cleanings, good oral hygiene, and periodontal treatments can help manage and prevent further damage. If significant bone loss has occurred, bone grafting procedures may be recommended to restore lost structure and support future dental implants.
Dentures/Bridgework
Traditional dentures and bridges can restore the appearance and function of missing teeth, but they don’t always provide the necessary stimulation to maintain jawbone health. Over time, this lack of stimulation can lead to bone loss and changes in facial structure.
Dentures and Bone Loss
Standard removable dentures rest on top of the gums without directly interacting with the jawbone. Since the alveolar bone relies on stimulation from natural teeth to stay healthy, the absence of this stimulation causes the bone to gradually shrink and deteriorate. As bone loss progresses, dentures may become loose, uncomfortable, and less effective for eating and speaking. Severe bone loss may eventually prevent dentures from fitting securely, even with strong adhesives.
For patients who experience significant bone loss, implant-supported dentures offer a more stable and long-term solution. These dentures are anchored to dental implants, which help preserve bone by providing necessary stimulation, similar to natural teeth.
Bridges and Bone Loss
Traditional dental bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support. While these teeth continue to stimulate the jawbone, the portion of the bone beneath the missing tooth remains unstimulated. Over time, this can lead to bone deterioration in that area.
Bone Grafting for Jawbone Preservation
For patients experiencing bone loss due to dentures or bridges, a bone grafting procedure can help restore lost bone, providing a strong foundation for future dental implants and preventing further deterioration. This allows for long-term stability, improved function, and better overall oral health.
Trauma
Traumatic injuries to the teeth or jaw can lead to bone loss and long-term oral health issues. When a tooth is knocked out, severely broken, or fractured below the gum line, the surrounding jawbone no longer receives the stimulation it needs. Over time, this can lead to bone deterioration in the affected area.
Common Causes of Trauma-Related Bone Loss:
Teeth knocked out due to injury or accident
Jaw fractures that impact bone structure
Teeth with a history of trauma that may die over time, leading to gradual bone loss
If left untreated, trauma-related bone loss can cause shifting of surrounding teeth, changes in facial structure, and difficulties with future dental restorations.
Bone Grafting for Trauma Repair
A bone grafting procedure can help reverse the effects of trauma by restoring lost bone, preserving jaw function, and creating a strong foundation for future restorations such as dental implants. If you have experienced dental trauma, schedule a consultation to explore the best options for restoring your oral health.
Misalignment
When teeth are misaligned, some may lack proper contact with opposing teeth, leading to over-eruption and gradual bone loss in the affected areas. Without the natural pressure from chewing and biting, the underlying jawbone can begin to deteriorate.
Causes of Bone Loss from Misalignment:
Unopposed teeth that over-erupt and weaken the bone structure
TMJ disorders affecting how teeth come together and function
Excessive wear-and-tear from improper biting forces
Lack of orthodontic or restorative treatment leading to long-term imbalance
Over time, these issues can cause jaw discomfort, changes in facial appearance, and complications with future dental treatments.
Restoring Jawbone Health
Addressing misalignment early can help preserve your jawbone and prevent further deterioration. If bone loss has already occurred, bone grafting procedures can help restore lost bone and create a strong foundation for future dental work. Contact us today to learn more about treatment options for misalignment and bone preservation.
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a bacterial infection that affects the bone and bone marrow of the jaw. This infection can lead to inflammation and reduced blood flow to the bone, which may compromise its health and function.
Treatment typically involves antibiotics to combat the infection, along with the removal of affected bone to prevent further damage. In many cases, a bone grafting procedure is necessary to restore lost bone and promote healthy bone growth after the infected tissue is removed.
Tumors
Benign tumors in the facial region, although generally non-cancerous, can grow large enough to necessitate the removal of part of the jaw. Malignant tumors, however, often invade the jawbone, requiring the removal of the affected portion of the jaw to stop the spread of cancer.
For both benign and malignant tumors, reconstructive bone grafting is typically needed to restore the jaw’s function and appearance. In cases of malignant tumors, grafting may be more complex, as the removal of cancerous tissue often includes surrounding soft tissues as well.
If you are experiencing jaw-related issues due to infection or tumors, our team is here to guide you through the treatment and recovery process with advanced grafting solutions. Contact us for more information on how we can help restore your oral health and function.
Sinus Deficiencies
When upper molars are extracted, the bone that once supported them can begin to deteriorate due to the air pressure from the maxillary sinus (the air cavity located in the upper jaw). This resorption of bone leads to an enlargement of the sinuses, a condition known as hyperpneumatized sinus.
Over time, this condition can result in insufficient bone for the proper placement of dental implants. If you’re facing this issue, our experienced surgeons can perform a specialized procedure called a sinus lift to restore the bone structure and make implant placement possible.
If you’re concerned about sinus-related bone loss or have been told you need a sinus lift, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation to discuss your options.
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