Jaw Bone Loss and Deterioration
When a person starts to notice changes in their gums, loose teeth, or difficulty with their dentures, it could be a sign that the jawbone is deteriorating.
Your jawbone is the foundation that supports your teeth and maintains the shape of your lower face. When teeth are lost or the bone is affected by disease or infection, it can begin to shrink. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and consequences of jawbone loss is the first step towards addressing this important oral health concern.
At Oral & Facial Surgery of Pittsburgh, we are dedicated to helping patients in the Pittsburgh area understand and manage jawbone loss. We also offer treatment options like Bone Grafting to help restore lost bone.
WHAT IS JAWBONE Loss?
If you stop using a muscle, it starts to weaken. The same thing can happen to your jawbone. Your natural teeth, through chewing and biting, constantly stimulate your jawbone, keeping it healthy and strong. When teeth are lost or can’t function properly, the jawbone in that area doesn’t get regular “exercise.” Without this stimulation, the body begins to reabsorb the bone, leading to a decrease in its amount and density – this is the process of jawbone loss.
WHAT CAUSES BONE LOSS IN THE JAW?
Several factors can contribute to bone loss in the jaw. Here are some common causes:
- Tooth Extraction: This is the most common cause. Once a tooth is removed, the bone that supported it no longer receives stimulation and begins to resorb.
- Periodontal Disease (or Gum Disease): This bacterial infection attacks the gums and the underlying bone, leading to significant bone loss and eventual tooth loss, which further exacerbates the problem.
- Dentures and Bridgework: Traditional dentures sit on the gums but do not stimulate the jawbone. Over time, this lack of stimulation can cause bone loss. Similarly, bridges only stimulate the bone around the anchor teeth so bone loss can occur in other areas on the jaw.
- Trauma: Injuries to the jaw or face can damage the bone and disrupt its ability to regenerate, potentially leading to bone loss.
- Misalignment (Malocclusion): An underbite or overbite can put uneven pressure on the jawbone, leading to bone loss in areas where there’s less stimulation.
- Osteomyelitis: This is a serious bone infection that can cause destruction in the jawbone.
- Tumors and Cysts: Any Growths in the jaw can destroy bone tissue.
- Developmental Deformities: Certain congenital conditions can have an effect on jawbone density and development.
- Sinus Issues (or Maxillary Bone Loss): When upper teeth are lost, the sinus cavity can expand, encroaching on the bone available for tooth replacement.
- Age: As we age, bone density naturally decreases throughout the body. This natural aging process can contribute to some degree of jawbone loss.
- Certain Medications: Some medications, such as bisphosphonates (used to treat osteoporosis) in certain cases, and long-term use of corticosteroids, have been linked to an increased risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a serious condition that involves bone loss in the jaw.
- Genetics: Some people have a genetic predisposition to lower bone density or a higher susceptibility to periodontal disease. Both of these can contribute to jawbone loss.
Jawbone Loss Symptoms
If you notice any of the below symptoms, you might be experiencing jawbone loss or deterioration:
- Changes in your facial appearance, such as a sunken look around the mouth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Gum recession
- Difficulty chewing or discomfort while chewing
- Wrinkles begin to form around your mouth
- Headaches, facial pain, and jaw pain
- Limited lip support
- Difficulty speaking
- Dentures that no longer fit properly or feel loose
- General pain or discomfort in the jaw
The Results of Untreated Jawbone Loss
Ignoring jawbone loss can have significant negative impacts on your oral health and quality of life:
- Makes it difficult or impossible to receive dental implants without prior bone augmentation.
- Leads to unstable and uncomfortable dentures.
- Can cause changes in your facial structure, leading to a more aged appearance.
- May result in further tooth loss as the supporting bone weakens.
- Can make eating and speaking more challenging.
- May contribute to chronic pain or discomfort in the jaw.
Diagnosis of Jawbone Loss
Diagnosing jawbone loss typically involves a thorough examination by our experienced oral surgeons at OFS Pittsburgh. This may include:
- A review of your medical and dental history.
- A comprehensive clinical examination of your gums and teeth.
- X-rays or 3D cone-beam CT scans, to accurately assess the amount and density of your jawbone.
JAWBONE LOSS TREATMENT OPTIONS
Preventing jawbone loss is important, and early intervention is key. Fortunately, bone loss in the jaw can be reversed after its deterioration. Oral & Facial Surgery of Pittsburgh provides treatment options that help a patient to eat and speak clearly.
Options for reversal include:
Bone grafting – The most common treatment for jawbone atrophy is a bone graft. This procedure can repair sections of your jaw with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease, or injuries. It also provides the opportunity to place dental implants and restore functionality and aesthetic appearance where it was not previously possible.
Sinus lift – Our surgeons can lift the sinus cavity by positioning its membrane lining away from the jaw and introducing bone graft material into the area. This enables dental implants to be placed and institute bone growth.
Why Choose OFS Pittsburgh for Addressing Jawbone Loss?
At Oral & Facial Surgery of Pittsburgh, we are committed to providing comprehensive care for patients experiencing jawbone loss. Our experienced oral surgeons offer:
- Thorough evaluation and accurate diagnosis of jawbone loss.
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to your individual needs.
- Expertise in Bone Grafting.
- Compassionate and patient-centered care.
- A holistic approach to oral health, which includes guidance on maintaining optimal jawbone health
Contact us to learn more about jawbone loss and how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can jawbone loss be prevented?
Good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and prompt replacement of missing teeth can significantly reduce the risk. Unfortunately, it’s not always preventable.
Is jawbone loss painful?
The process of bone loss itself is usually not painful. However, the consequences, such as loose teeth or ill-fitting dentures, can be uncomfortable.
How quickly does jawbone loss occur after tooth extraction?
Bone resorption can begin relatively quickly after tooth loss, with the most significant loss often occurring in the first few months.
Can anything slow down jawbone loss?
Yes, treatments like dental implants provide stimulation to the jawbone, helping to prevent or slow down further bone loss.
What happens if jawbone loss is left untreated?
Untreated jawbone loss can lead to increasing difficulty with dental restorations, changes in facial structure, and a decline in overall oral health and function.
