The Importance of Teeth for Jaw Bone Health

Tooth loss is often accompanied by the loss of jaw bone. When you lose part of your jaw bone, that can lead to a number of other complications, including unwanted changes to your facial appearance. Eventually, jaw deterioration can even make it more difficult for you to speak or chew.

The jaw bone requires stimulation from your tooth roots. This stimulation happens when you eat or chew. If you lose those tooth roots, then you no longer get that stimulation, and the jaw bone can atrophy.

Potential Consequences of Tooth and Jaw Bone Loss

There are a number of issues that you can anticipate following the loss of teeth or jaw bone. Some examples include:

  • Issues with remaining teeth, including misalignment, drifting, loosening, and loss
  • Unwanted changes to your facial appearance
  • Jaw (TMJ or temporomandibular joint) symptoms, including chronic pain and headaches
  • Difficulty speaking and communicating
  • Inadequate nutrition caused by the inability to chew properly and painlessly
  • Issues with your sinuses

One of the best ways to avoid these consequences is to ensure you replace missing tooth roots with dental implants, which will provide the stimulation needed for ongoing jaw health.

Schedule Your Consultation

Please call us at Minto Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at (251) 990-5959 to schedule your consultation.