Causes of Jawbone Degradation
The three primary components of a strong and healthy smile are the teeth, gum tissue, and jawbone. If any one of these components becomes compromised, the others are likely to follow. In these cases, overall oral health may suffer and, without treatment, more complications are likely to arise. Dr. Joseph Perry helps patients maintain the strength and structure of the smile by treating conditions that may lead to jawbone degradation. Dr. Perry discusses the common causes of jawbone degradation with his San Antonio, TX patients, as he offers dental solutions, such as custom dentures to address tooth loss, which may help to prevent the loss or weakening of healthy jawbone tissue.
Causes of Jawbone Degradation
The health of the teeth, gums, and jawbone are all linked, so the conditions that negatively affect the health of the teeth and gums will also impact the health, or strength, of the jawbone. Below are some of the oral health problems that are likely to lead to the degradation of jawbone tissue:
- Tooth extraction/tooth loss: In order for jawbone tissue to continue to grow and regenerate, it requires stimulation. This stimulation comes from biting and chewing, which causes force to be absorbed by the tooth’s roots. When a tooth is extracted or lost (whether due to decay, gum disease, or trauma), the tooth root is not there, and the jawbone in that area of the mouth will no longer be receiving the stimulation that is needed. As a result, the jawbone tissue will weaken and degrade over time.
- Gum disease: Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue that develops when plaque and tartar build up on the teeth and beneath the gum line. In its early stage (known as gingivitis), the primary concern is the health of gum tissue. However, if the condition continues to advance and develops into a condition known as periodontitis, then the jawbone can also suffer and begin to deteriorate. This can weaken the jawbone and is also likely to lead to loose teeth or even tooth loss.
- Misalignment: In cases of severe misalignment, some teeth may lack an opposing tooth structure. This may result in uneven force and pressure being placed on the teeth (which can leave some teeth without the stimulation that is needed for the jawbone), or it can also result in an overeruption of the tooth that is without an opposing tooth. In either of these cases, the jawbone may begin to gradually degrade.
Preventing Jawbone Degradation
To maintain the strength of the jawbone and the structure of the mouth, it is important to treat the dental conditions that are the primary causes of jawbone degradation. In the case of tooth loss, it is important to restore the teeth with a dental restoration that will continue to promote the growth of healthy jawbone tissue. Dr. Perry offers implant-supported dental implants and Fountain of Youth Dentures. Both of these treatments provide patients with strong and natural-looking restorations that also address and prevent jawbone degradation.
Learn More
Dr. Joseph Perry offers several restorative treatments that address tooth loss in order to preserve a strong and healthy smile. If you have questions about jawbone degradation and what can be done to prevent or treat the condition, contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more about our dental services.
