Jawbone Loss & Deterioration in Irvine, CA
Understanding Bone Loss & Restoring Jaw Health
Your jawbone plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health, supporting teeth, and preserving facial structure. When the jawbone begins to deteriorate, it can cause serious complications, such as shifting teeth, difficulty chewing, and changes in facial appearance. If left untreated, jawbone loss can make receiving dental implants without additional bone restoration procedures challenging or even impossible.
At Honest Oral Surgeon in Irvine, CA, our expert oral surgeons, Dr. Eric Kim, and Dr. Blair Ota, specialize in diagnosing and treating jawbone deterioration. We offer advanced bone grafting procedures, including ridge augmentation, sinus lifts, and socket preservation to restore lost bone and prepare patients for long-term dental health and implant success.
What Causes Jawbone Loss & Deterioration?
Jawbone loss can occur for several reasons, including:
1. Tooth Loss & Missing Teeth
When a tooth is lost or extracted, the surrounding jawbone lacks stimulation and begins to shrink. Without timely intervention, this can lead to severe bone loss, making it difficult to place dental implants later on.
2. Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) damages the gums and underlying jawbone, leading to progressive bone loss. If left untreated, it can result in loose teeth, tooth loss, and permanent bone deterioration.
3. Dentures or Bridges Without Implants
Traditional dentures rest on the gums but do not stimulate the jawbone, causing continued bone loss over time. Implant-supported dentures help preserve jawbone integrity.
4. Facial Trauma or Injury
Severe jaw fractures, accidents, or injuries can lead to bone damage that may require bone grafting to rebuild lost bone.
5. Osteoporosis & Medical Conditions
Conditions like osteoporosis or certain medications can weaken the jawbone, increasing the risk of fractures and tooth loss.
Signs & Symptoms of Jawbone Deterioration
If you are experiencing jawbone loss, you may notice:
- A sunken or aged facial appearance
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Gaps between teeth due to bone loss
- Discomfort when wearing dentures
Early detection is crucial to prevent further deterioration and to restore lost bone with bone grafting or dental implants.
Treatment Options for Jawbone Loss
If you have experienced bone deterioration, we offer advanced bone restoration procedures to rebuild lost bone and prepare for dental implants.
1. Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
Bone grafting restores lost jawbone, allowing for successful dental implant placement. This procedure strengthens the jaw and improves overall oral function.
Learn more about bone grafting for implants.
2. Ridge Augmentation
This procedure restores the natural contour of the jawbone after bone loss or tooth extractions, making it ideal for future implant placement.
Read about ridge augmentation.
3. Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation)
A sinus lift adds bone material to the upper jaw, allowing for successful dental implant placement in patients with insufficient bone height.
Find out more about sinus lift surgery.
4. Socket Preservation
This technique prevents bone loss after tooth extraction by placing a bone graft into the socket, ensuring future implant success.
Learn about socket preservation.
Why Choose Honest Oral Surgeon for Jawbone Restoration?
At Honest Oral Surgeon, we provide customized bone restoration treatments to help patients regain jawbone strength and oral function.
- Board-Certified Oral Surgeons – Dr. Eric Kim & Dr. Blair Ota specialize in jawbone reconstruction and dental implants.
- State-of-the-art technology – We use 3D imaging to accurately diagnose and plan treatment.
- Comprehensive Bone Grafting Solutions – We offer ridge augmentation, sinus lifts, and socket preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jawbone Loss & Deterioration
What happens if your jawbone deteriorates?
Jawbone deterioration can cause facial collapse, difficulty chewing, and an unstable foundation for teeth or dentures. If left untreated, it may require bone grafting before receiving dental implants.
Can bone loss in the jaw be restored?
Yes, bone grafting procedures can rebuild lost bone, allowing patients to receive dental implants and restoring their facial structure.
Is bone loss in the jaw normal with age?
While some bone loss can occur naturally with age, significant deterioration is usually due to tooth loss, gum disease, or lack of stimulation in the jawbone.
Why is my jaw shrinking?
Jaw shrinkage often results from missing teeth, gum disease, or prolonged denture use without implants. Implant-supported solutions help prevent further bone loss.
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