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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

Understanding Jawbone Health

The jawbone supports the teeth and changes in response to the forces placed on it. After a tooth is removed or lost, the ridge that once held the tooth can gradually narrow or lose height.
Preserving jawbone health begins with understanding the condition of the teeth, treating disease, and planning extractions with future restorative needs in mind. Dr. Maryann L. Udy evaluates the bone as part of tooth extraction, grafting, and dental implant treatment.
636-978-6967
Woman experiencing tooth pain that may require an oral surgery evaluation

How Teeth Help Maintain the Jawbone

The roots of natural teeth transfer chewing forces to the surrounding bone. When a tooth is missing, that stimulation changes and the ridge can remodel over time. The amount of change is different for every site and can also be affected by infection, periodontal disease, trauma, and denture pressure.
These changes may influence the appearance of the ridge, the fit of a denture, and the bone available for a future dental implant. They do not always cause pain, which is why examination and imaging are important when planning treatment.

Protecting Bone When a Tooth Is Removed

When an extraction is planned, ask whether the tooth will be replaced and what the future restoration may require. Socket preservation can place graft material in the extraction site to help maintain the ridge for a later implant or another restorative option.

Socket preservation cannot prevent every change and is not necessary for every extraction. Dr. Udy considers the condition of the socket, infection, gum tissue, and restorative goal before recommending it.
636-978-6967

Maintaining Bone Around Dental Implants

Implants transfer chewing forces to the jawbone, but the surrounding tissue still needs ongoing care. Clean the restoration as directed, keep regular dental appointments, and address inflammation, bite changes, or looseness promptly.
The design of the crown, bridge, denture, or full-arch restoration should allow effective cleaning. Long-term maintenance involves both the implant and the prosthesis attached to it.

When a Bone Evaluation Is Helpful

An evaluation is useful when a tooth has been missing for a long time, a denture no longer fits well, an extraction is being planned before implant treatment, or a dentist has raised concerns about ridge width or height.

CBCT imaging can show the three-dimensional shape of the jaw and nearby anatomy. Dr. Udy uses those findings to explain what bone is present and whether preservation or reconstruction should be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jawbone Health

Some remodeling is expected after tooth loss, but the amount and clinical significance vary by site and patient.
No procedure can stop every natural change. Early planning and selected grafting procedures can help preserve or rebuild bone for a specific restorative goal.
An implant transfers function to the jawbone, but it still requires healthy surrounding tissue, good hygiene, and professional maintenance.
Dr. Udy uses an examination and imaging, including CBCT when appropriate, to assess bone shape, volume, and nearby anatomy.

Planning an Extraction or Dental Implant?

Call Northwest Oral Surgeons at 636-978-6967 to discuss how jawbone health may affect an extraction, dental implant, or grafting plan.
Call: 636-978-6967