How does a missing tooth affect the jawbone?

Tooth roots stimulate the jawbone. But when a tooth is extracted, the jawbone at the extraction site no longer receives stimulation from the tooth’s root. Therefore, the jawbone slowly resorbs into the body. Eventually and over the course of many years, the jawbone shrinks away, and surrounding teeth slowly drift out of alignment. This is why you may notice that your tooth alignment changes after you have teeth extracted.

Why is jawbone resorption a big deal?

Jawbone resorption can pose a significant problem for some individuals, especially those with significant tooth loss or adults that are missing a lot of teeth. The reason jawbone resorption can be detrimental for your oral health is because the jawbone can shrink away to the point where there isn’t much left to hold a denture. This could result in devastating effects as it may prove difficult to restore your smile and chewing ability.

What can be done to preserve jawbone after tooth loss?

The best way to preserve jawbone after tooth loss is to replace the stimulation to the site of the missing tooth. This can only be done with a dental implant. A dental bridge or partial denture, although are popular tooth replacement options, do not stimulate the jawbone and eventually, even these restorations may still lead to diminished jawbone down the road. However, a dental implant is the best option because a titanium post is inserted into the jawbone and takes the place of a tooth’s root and provides stimulation to the jawbone to prevent resorption. Because the dental implant is embedded into the jawbone, you’ll have a stable bite and won’t have to worry about upgrading or replacing it later.

I lost my teeth years ago; do I have enough jawbone to get dental implants?

The best way to determine if you’re eligible for dental implants is to undergo a comprehensive oral exam with an implant dentist. However, in some cases of jawbone resorption, dental implants may still be possible with the help of oral surgery that rebuilds the jawbone. This surgery may include a bone graft, which adds bone to the implant site, or a sinus lift to raise the floor of the sinus cavity and allow more room for an implant to be placed in the upper jaw.

Restore your smile in Sciota, Pennsylvania

Preserving your jawbone also helps improve your confidence and chewing functionality so that you can receive proper nutrition for a healthful life. If you would like to learn more about preserving your jawbone or find out which procedure is right for you, contact Quiet Valley Dental by calling (570) 992-7040.