Reasons for Jawbone Loss and Deterioration
The following are the most common causes for jawbone deterioration and loss that may require a bone grafting procedure:
Tooth Extractions
- When an adult tooth is removed and not replaced jawbone deterioration may occur.
- Natural teeth are embedded in the jawbone and stimulate the jawbone through activities such as chewing and biting.
- When teeth are missing, the alveolar bone, or the portion of the jawbone that anchors the teeth in the mouth, no longer receives the necessary stimulation and begins to break down, or resorb.
- The body no longer uses or "needs" the jawbone, so it deteriorates and goes away.
- The rate that the bone deteriorates, as well as the amount of bone loss that occurs, varies greatly among individuals.
- However, most loss occurs within the first eighteen months following the extraction and will continue gradually throughout your life.