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Northwest Oral Surgeons

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Located inside the St. Luke’s building near the local urgent care facility.

Located inside the St. Luke’s building near the urgent care facility.

636-978-6967

Causes of Jawbone Loss and Deterioration

Jawbone loss can affect the width, height, and shape of the ridge that once supported the teeth. It may develop gradually after tooth loss or result from periodontal disease, infection, trauma, or long-term pressure from a removable prosthesis.

Dr. Maryann L. Udy evaluates existing bone deficiencies to identify the likely cause, determine how they affect the current dental plan, and discuss whether reconstruction is necessary.
636-978-6967
Patient receiving evaluation for corrective jaw surgery in O'Fallon, MO

Common Causes of Jawbone Loss

After a tooth is removed or lost, the surrounding ridge no longer receives the same stimulation from the tooth root and begins to remodel. The longer a site remains without a tooth, the more the shape can differ from the original ridge.

Periodontal disease can damage the bone around teeth. Infection from a tooth or failed dental procedure can also leave a localized defect. Facial trauma, developmental anatomy, prior surgery, and pressure from an ill-fitting denture can contribute to other patterns of bone loss.

How Existing Bone Loss Affects Treatment

Bone loss can change implant position, require a different restorative design, reduce denture support, or make a ridge uneven beneath a prosthesis. The effect depends on where the deficiency is located and what treatment is planned.
Not every defect needs to be rebuilt. If reconstruction is recommended, the procedure should have a specific goal, such as creating support for an implant, improving the contour under a denture, or preparing an area for another restorative treatment.

Evaluating the Defect and Its Cause

Dr. Udy reviews dental and medical history, prior extractions or infections, denture use, and available imaging. CBCT imaging can show the three-dimensional dimensions of the ridge and its relationship to the sinus, nerves, and neighboring teeth.
Treating the cause matters. Active infection or periodontal disease may need attention before or alongside reconstruction, and an ill-fitting appliance may need to be adjusted so it does not continue placing pressure on the area.

Reconstruction Options for Jawbone Loss

The surgical approach may involve ridge augmentation, sinus augmentation, socket reconstruction, or another grafting technique. The type and amount of grafting are based on the defect and the final treatment plan.

Some sites can be grafted and receive an implant during the same procedure. Others need a separate healing period. Follow-up examinations and imaging help Dr. Udy determine whether the area is ready for the next step.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jawbone Loss and Deterioration

Yes. Bone changes can develop gradually and may be discovered during a dental examination or imaging for another treatment.
No single procedure fits every defect. The available options depend on the location, severity, health of the tissues, and the goal of treatment.
Tooth loss itself changes the ridge, and long-term pressure from a removable prosthesis can also affect the supporting area. Denture fit should be checked regularly.
A graft is recommended only when the available bone does not support the planned implant position or final restoration.

Has Bone Loss Changed Your Treatment Options?

Call Northwest Oral Surgeons at 636-978-6967 to schedule an evaluation and discuss whether reconstruction may support an implant, denture, or another restorative plan.
Call: 636-978-6967