At MSL Surgery, we understand how the different parts of the mouth work together, including the jawbone, and we want to help keep every part working correctly. There are several factors that can damage your jawbone. When you visit our practice, Dr. Frank Paletta and Dr. Mo Banki will help you be aware of any issues that could jawbone loss and deterioration. We will also recommend any treatments that you may need to restore or protect your jawbone.
Although your jawbone is strong, it can become weakened over time and from several other factors. It is important to maintain a healthy, strong jawbone, but in order to do that, you need to be aware of what can damage your jawbone. At our practice, we are here to help you receive the oral care you need. However, by being educated about the potential harmful conditions to your jawbone, you can give your smile the essential and constant care it needs.
Many causes of jawbone deterioration may require a bone graft. Some of the most common causes for a jawbone to break down include:
- Tooth Extractions: your teeth are embedded into your jawbone. When a permanent tooth is removed, that portion of the jawbone does not recognize that it is needed and can begin to break down.
- Periodontal Disease: periodontal disease begins in the gums; however, if it is left untreated, the infection can spread into the jawbone and cause it to weaken.
- Dentures and Bridgework: dentures and bridges that are not anchored into the jawbone do not stimulate the necessary bone growth that treatments such as dental implants can provide. With nothing actually embedded into the jawbone, the bone can wear down over time.
- Trauma: having a tooth knocked out or broken to the point of not having anything beneath the gum surface can cause the natural stimulation for bone grown to halt.
- Misalignment: misaligned teeth can lead to some teeth to over-erupt, which can cause the bone underneath to deteriorate.
- Osteomyelitis: osteomyelitis is a bacterial infection that occurs in bone marrow. The blood supply to the bone becomes reduced or cut off, due to inflammation, and the bone begins to deteriorate.
- Tumors: benign and malignant tumors can both cause great damage to the jawbone. Both types of tumors have to be removed and will require a bone graft.
- Developmental Deformities: health conditions or birth defects can lead to missing teeth or in the structure of the bones, jaw, or skull. Having weaker or deformed bone can make it more susceptible to decay.
- Sinus Deficiencies: removing molars from the upper jaw cause resorption in the jawbone, due to the air pressure in the sinus cavity. This leads to enlarged sinus and bone loss.
If you have any questions or concerns about any of these or other causes of bone loss, we welcome you to call 401-739-5500 or visit our oral surgeons in Warwick, Rhode Island, and North Attleboro, Massachusetts, today. We are happy to answer any questions!