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Tooth extractions
When an adult tooth is removed and not replaced, the alveolar bone no longer receives the stimulation it needs from chewing and biting. That bone can begin to resorb over time.
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Procedures
Jaw bone loss and deterioration.
Jawbone can shrink when it no longer receives healthy stimulation or when disease, trauma, or other conditions damage the supporting bone. Grafting can help restore support where bone has been lost.
Reasons bone can change
Jawbone needs stimulation, healthy gums, and stable teeth to stay strong.
Natural teeth are embedded in the jawbone and help stimulate the bone through normal chewing and biting. When that stimulation is removed, the body may begin to resorb bone in the area.
The rate and amount of bone loss varies from person to person, but a significant amount can occur during the first eighteen months after a tooth is extracted and may continue gradually over time.
Bone grafting may be recommended when deterioration limits function, denture stability, or the ability to place dental implants in a healthy position.
Tooth replacement matters
Replacing missing teeth can help restore function and, when implants are appropriate, provide bone-stimulating support that removable appliances cannot always provide.
Common causes
Bone loss can begin after tooth loss, infection, or changes in bite force.
Understanding the cause helps the surgeon decide whether bone grafting, implant planning, infection treatment, or another procedure is the right next step.
02
Periodontal disease
Ongoing gum infections can damage the tissues that support natural teeth, including the periodontal ligament and the bone that holds teeth in place.
03
Dentures or bridgework
Traditional dentures sit on top of the gums and do not directly stimulate the jawbone. Bridges also leave the bone beneath the missing tooth span without direct stimulation.
04
Facial trauma
A knocked-out tooth, jaw fracture, or tooth broken below the gum line can stop bone stimulation in that area and lead to deterioration if the site is not restored.
Additional causes
Some causes need more specialized evaluation.
Trauma, infection, sinus changes, tumor treatment, and developmental differences can all affect jawbone volume. Imaging helps clarify the defect and the best reconstruction plan.
Misalignment or lack of opposing tooth contact
Osteomyelitis or other jawbone infection
Benign or malignant tumors
Developmental deformities
Sinus enlargement after upper molar loss
Denture stability
Bone loss can make removable dentures harder to wear.
As the jawbone resorbs, dentures may loosen and make eating or speaking less comfortable. Implant-supported options may help stimulate and preserve more bone in selected cases.
Sinus changes
Upper molar loss can reduce implant-ready bone height.
After upper molars are removed, the maxillary sinus can expand into the area where bone once supported teeth. A sinus lift may be recommended to rebuild height for implant placement.
Restore support
Talk with us about bone grafting options.
We will evaluate the cause and amount of bone loss, then explain whether grafting, implants, or another approach fits your goals.