Reasons for Jawbone Loss and Deterioration, Glen Mills PA

When one or more teeth are missing, it can lead to jawbone loss at the site of the gap. This loss of jawbone can develop into additional problems, both with your appearance and your overall health. You may experience pain, problems with your remaining teeth, and altered facial appearance, and eventually even the inability to speak and eat normally.

In that same way that muscles are maintained through exercise, bone tissue is maintained by use. Natural teeth are embedded in the jawbone, and stimulate the jawbone through activities such as chewing and biting. When teeth are missing, the alveolar bone, or the portion of the jawbone that anchors the teeth in the mouth, no longer receives the necessary stimulation, and begins to break down, or resorb. The body no longer uses or “needs” the jawbone, so it deteriorates and goes away.

Potential Consequences of Tooth and Jawbone Loss

  • Problems with remaining teeth, including, misalignment, drifting, loosening and loss
  • Collapsed facial profile
  • Limited lip support
  • Skin wrinkling around the mouth
  • Distortion of other facial features
  • Jaw (temporomandibular joint [TM]) pain, facial pain, and headaches
  • Difficulty speaking and communicating
  • Inadequate nutrition as a result of the inability to chew properly and painlessly
  • Sinus expansion

Common Causes of Jawbone Deterioration and Loss

The following are the most common causes for jawbone deterioration and loss that may require a bone grafting procedure:

Tooth Extractions:

When an adult tooth is removed and not replaced, jawbone deterioration may occur. Natural teeth are embedded in the jawbone, and stimulate the jawbone through activities such as chewing and biting. When teeth are missing, the alveolar bone, or the portion of the jawbone that anchors the teeth in the mouth, no longer receives the necessary stimulation, and begins to break down, or resorb. The body no longer uses or “needs” the jawbone, so it deteriorates and goes away.

The rate the bone deteriorates, as well as the amount of bone loss that occurs, varies greatly among individuals. However, most lost occurs within the first eighteen months following the extraction, and continues throughout life.

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Periodontal Disease:

Periodontal diseases are ongoing infections of the gums that gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Periodontal disease affects one or more of the periodontal tissues: alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, cementum, or gingiva. While there are many diseases which affect the tooth-supporting structures, plaque-induced inflammatory lesions make up the majority of periodontal issues, and are divided into two categories: gingivitis and periodontitis. While gingivitis, the less serious of the diseases, may never progress into periodontitis, it always precedes periodontitis.

Dental plaque is the primary cause of gingivitis in genetically-susceptible individuals. Plaque is a sticky colorless film, composed primarily of food particles and various types of bacteria, which adhere to your teeth at and below the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth, even minutes after cleaning. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums. Gums may become inflamed, red, swollen, and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth causing pockets (spaces) to form. If daily brushing and flossing is neglected, plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). This can occur both above and below the gum line.

Periodontitis is affected by bacteria that adhere to the tooth’s surface, along with an overly aggressive immune response to these bacteria. If gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorates. The progressive loss of this bone, the alveolar, can lead to loosening and subsequent loss of teeth.

Dentures/Bridgework:

Unanchored dentures are placed on top of the gum line, and therefore do not provide any direct stimulation to 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 cannot be held in place even with strong adhesives, and a new set may be required. Proper denture care, repair, and refitting are essential to maintaining oral health.

Some dentures are supported by anchors, which do help adequately stimulate, and therefore preserve bone.

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. Sierakowski is now able to restore bone function and growth, thereby halting the effects of poor denture care.

Trauma:

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 jaw bone 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, restoring function and promoting new bone growth in traumatized areas.

Misalignment:

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 of 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. Over time, bone deterioration can occur where bone is losing stimulation.

Osteomyelitis:

Osteomyelitis is a type of bacterial infection in the bone and bone marrow of the jaw. The infection leads to inflammation, which can cause a reduction of blood supply to the bone. Treatment for osteomyelitis generally requires antibiotics and removal of the affected bone. A bone graft procedure may then be required to restore bone function and growth lost during removal.

Tumors:

Benign facial tumors, though generally non-threateningly, may grow large and require removal of a portion of the jaw. Malignant mouth tumors almost always spread into the jaw, requiring removal of a section of the jaw. In both cases, reconstructive bone grafting is usually required to help restore function to the jaw. Grafting in patients with malignant tumors may be more challenging because treatment of the cancerous tumor generally requires removal of surrounding soft tissue as well.

Developmental Deformities:

Some conditions or syndromes known as birth defects are characterized by missing portions of the teeth, facial bones, jaw or skull. Dr. Sierakowski may be able to perform a bone graft procedure to restore bone function and growth where it may be absent.

Sinus Deficiencies:

When molars are removed from the upper jaw, air pressure from the air cavity in the maxilla (maxillary sinus), causes resorption of the bone that formerly helped the teeth in place. As a result, the sinuses become enlarged, a condition called hyperneumatized sinus.

This condition usually develops over several years, and may result in insufficient bone for the placement of dental implants. Dr. Sierakowski can perform a procedure called a “sinus lift” that can treat enlarged sinuses.

Ready to Improve Your Smile?

Contact us today with any questions or to make your appointment!

Call us: 610-558-8283

Brandywine Periodontics, LLC

5 out of 5 stars based on 4 Bone Grafting reviews

Patient Review by Jim S

This was my first experience with a periodontist and I feel very fortunate that it was with compassionate professionals like Dr. Sierakowski and his staff. Although I went into this procedure with a good deal of apprehension, Dr. Sierakowski's calm manner and his clear explanation of what he was going to do soon put me at ease. I can honestly say I felt minimal discomfort throughout the entire procedure. His explanations and follow-up directions were clear and helpful. I have already recommended Dr. Sierkowski to my son-in-law and would gladly recommend him to others also.

- Jim S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Xavier M

I have been a patient of Brandywine Periodontics for over 14 years. Dr. Steven Sierakowski (Dr. S.) is one of the nicest people I know. His personal greeting, his bedside manner and professionalism is refreshing. He treats you like family. His staff is also top notch. They have been with Dr. S for as long as I have been a patient. As soon as you walk into the office you are greeted by the always friendly Joyce. No need to sign in, She knows who you are. Then there is the other friendly face Tiffani. Tiffani is the dental assistant. Her pleasantry and personality put you at ease as soon as you sit in the chair. I honestly look forward to my twice a year visits. If not for Dr. S and his staff my diet would have consisted of Jello ad veggie shakes. They help me not only keep my teeth but also my pride. I highly recommend Dr.S and his wonderful staff.

- Xavier M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Patricia A

Dr .sierakowski is a very gentle periodontist. I am someone who does not like dentist but dr. Steve puts me immediately at ease. The staff is very pleasant also. I had extractions with no pain. I had implants with perfect fits. I love this gentle spirit and just how beautifully he works on my teeth. I will continue to go to dr. Steve to complete my implants .i highly recommend dr. Steve for implants!

- Patricia A

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Sylvia R

I have been seeing Dr. Sierakowski for at least five years and he has been outstanding with all his work. I have never had an trouble with the work he has done on my teeth or the implants he has done on me. I am very satisfied with all his work and plan to use his services as long as needed. Anybody that needs periodontic work done will be very pleased with the services of Brandywine Periodontics.

- Sylvia R

5 out of 5 stars on