Jawbone Loss and Deterioration

What Causes Jawbone Loss?

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Developmental Deformities

Certain birth defects can cause missing portions of teeth, facial bones, or the jaw. Examples include cleft lip and palate, where parts of the upper jaw and palate are underdeveloped, and conditions like Crouzon syndrome or Treacher Collins syndrome, which affect the facial bones.

Bone grafting can help restore function and promote growth in these areas.

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Dentures and Bridgework

Unanchored dentures rest on the gums and don’t stimulate the underlying bone. Over time, the bone shrinks, leading to ill-fitting dentures that cause difficulty with speaking or eating.

Likewise, bridgework, though supported by adjacent teeth, leaves the area where the tooth is missing without stimulation.

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Misalignment

Misaligned teeth place uneven pressure on the jaw, contributing to bone loss. Conditions like TMJ and wear-and-tear can also create abnormal forces, damaging the bone’s health.

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Osteomyelitis

An infection in the jawbone can lead to inflammation and reduce the blood supply to the bone, causing it to weaken. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and possibly bone removal, followed by a bone graft to restore function.

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Periodontal Disease

Gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, causes inflammation that destroys the structures supporting your teeth, including the jawbone. As plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, it irritates the gums and results in bone loss. Without proper care, the damage can worsen, loosening teeth and accelerating bone deterioration.

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Sinus Deficiencies

After molar extractions in the upper jaw, the bone beneath may weaken as the pressure from the sinuses increases. As the sinuses expand over time, they can further reduce the amount of bone available for support.

To address this issue, a sinus lift procedure is used, which involves adding bone to the area.

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Tooth Extractions

When a tooth is extracted and not replaced, the jawbone that once supported it begins to deteriorate. Natural teeth stimulate the bone during chewing, and without that stimulation, the bone starts to resorb, especially within the first 18 months after the extraction.

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Trauma

Injuries or accidents that knock out a tooth or fracture the jaw disrupt bone stimulation in the affected area, resulting in bone loss. Even teeth that are beyond repair can contribute to bone deterioration if not treated quickly.

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Tumors

Benign or malignant tumors in the jaw can require the removal of part of the bone. Reconstructive grafting may be necessary to restore function and stability, especially after the removal of cancerous tumors.