Why are teeth important for jawbone health?
When one or more teeth have been lost or extracted, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate, leading to bone loss because the bone tissues are no longer being used to hold the teeth in place. When the teeth are in place, they stimulate the jawbone during regular activities such as chewing and biting. Without the teeth stimulating the jawbone, the bone begins to resorb. This loss of jawbone can also result in additional problems with both your appearance and overall health.
What problems can be caused by tooth and jawbone loss?
The following are common problems associated with tooth and jawbone loss:
- Collapsed facial profile
- Difficulty speaking and effectively communicating
- Distortion of facial features
- Inadequate nutrition because of an inability to chew properly and painlessly
- Jaw joint (TMJ) pain, facial pain and headaches
- Limited lip support
- Problems with the remaining teeth such as drifting, misalignment, loosening and loss
- Sinus expansion
- Skin wrinkling around the mouth
If you have experienced tooth loss in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and are concerned about the potential consequences of jawbone loss, we encourage you to contact our knowledgeable oral surgeon, Dr. Daniel Cannon, today by calling Cannon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at 918-743-1351. We will be happy to answer your questions and schedule your next appointment.