Several factors can contribute to jaw bone deterioration, and many of them may require bone grafting procedures to restore health and function.
When a tooth is extracted and not replaced, the jaw bone beneath it begins to deteriorate. Natural teeth stimulate the jaw bone through chewing and biting, but without teeth, the bone lacks the necessary stimulation and begins to break down. The rate of bone loss varies from person to person, but typically, the most significant loss occurs within the first 18 months following the extraction. Over time, this bone loss may continue to affect your oral and overall health.
Periodontal disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, can lead to the gradual destruction of the support structures of your teeth. These infections attack the alveolar bone and other periodontal tissues, leading to bone loss. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause tooth loss and further jaw bone deterioration.
While dentures are designed to restore function and appearance, traditional unanchored dentures do not provide direct stimulation to the underlying jawbone, which can lead to bone resorption over time. Even dentures supported by anchors or bridgework may cause bone loss in areas where the appliance spans a gap. Bone grafting may be required to restore bone and help preserve oral function.
Accidents or injuries that result in the loss or damage of teeth can lead to jaw bone loss. Whether caused by a traumatic event, such as a blow to the face, or teeth that are irreparably damaged, bone grafting procedures can restore lost bone and promote new growth, ensuring that normal function is regained.
Teeth misalignment can lead to bone deterioration when teeth lose their opposing structures, causing them to over-erupt. The lack of proper bite alignment can lead to abnormal wear and bone deterioration over time, requiring corrective treatments such as bone grafting to restore health.
Osteomyelitis is a bacterial infection that affects the jawbone, leading to inflammation and bone loss. Antibiotics and the removal of infected bone are typically necessary, and bone grafting may be needed to restore the jaw's function and structure.
Benign or malignant tumors in the jaw area can result in bone loss if removal of the tumor requires part of the jaw to be taken out. Reconstructive bone grafting can help restore jaw function following tumor removal, particularly in cases of malignant tumors where both bone and surrounding soft tissues are affected.
Some people experience missing portions of their teeth, jaw, or skull due to developmental conditions. In these cases, bone grafting procedures can help restore the missing bone and support the natural structure.
In the upper jaw, when molars are removed, the maxillary sinus may enlarge and reduce the available bone for dental implants. This condition, known as a hyperpneumatized sinus, can be treated with a sinus lift procedure to restore bone and make implant placement possible./p>