Here 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 portion of the jawbone that anchors the teeth in the mouth, no longer receives the necessary stimulation, and begins to break down because the body no longer uses or “needs” the jawbone.
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.
Dental plaque is the primary cause of gingivitis in genetically-susceptible individuals and can cause periodontal disease.
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. 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.
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. Elias and Dr. Paonessa are 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. A bone grafting procedure would be necessary to reverse the effects of bone deterioration.
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 an infection in a bone. These infections can reach a bone by traveling through your bloodstream or spreading naturally from nearby tissue. These infections may also start in the bone itself if an injury or trauma expose the bone to germs.
Tumors:
Benign and malignant facial tumors may grow large and require removal of a portion of the jaw.
Developmental Deformities:
Some congenital conditions or syndromes known as birth defects are characterized by missing portions of the teeth, facial bones, jaw or skull. Dr. Elias 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 it may cause resorption of the bone that formerly helped the teeth in place. As a result, the sinuses can become enlarged, which is a condition called hyperneumatized sinus.
This condition usually develops over several years, and may result in insufficient bone from the placement of dental implants. Dr. Elias or Dr. Paonessa can perform a procedure called a “sinus lift” that can treat enlarged sinuses.