When one or more teeth are lost, the jawbone in the affected area can begin to deteriorate. This bone loss can lead to additional complications, impacting both your appearance and overall health. You may experience discomfort, shifting or weakening of the remaining teeth, changes to your facial structure, and eventually even difficulties with speaking and eating.

Request an Appointment

Just as muscles require regular use to stay strong, bone tissue also depends on stimulation to maintain its structure. Teeth play a vital role in this process by being anchored in the jawbone and providing stimulation through actions like chewing and biting. When teeth are missing, the portion of the jawbone known as the alveolar bone—responsible for holding the teeth in place—no longer receives this stimulation. Without use, the bone begins to deteriorate and resorb over time, as the body reassigns its resources elsewhere.

Potential Consequences of Tooth and Jawbone Loss

  • Misalignment, shifting, or loosening of remaining teeth
  • Collapsed facial structure or profile
  • Reduced lip support
  • Wrinkles or sagging skin around the mouth
  • Altered facial features
  • Jaw pain, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, facial pain, and headaches
  • Difficulty speaking clearly or communicating effectively
  • Challenges with chewing, leading to inadequate nutrition or discomfort
  • Enlargement of the sinus cavity due to bone loss in the upper jaw

Addressing tooth and jawbone loss promptly is essential to prevent these complications and restore proper function and aesthetics.