Naperville & Channahon Bone Grafting

Understanding the Importance of Teeth for Jaw Bone Health

When teeth are missing, the jaw bone can suffer significant loss, leading to various issues affecting both appearance and overall health. Without teeth to stimulate it through chewing and biting, the jaw bone can deteriorate over time. This can result in pain, problems with remaining teeth, facial changes, and difficulties with speech and eating.

Consequences of Tooth and Jaw Bone Loss

The consequences of tooth and jaw bone loss can be far-reaching, impacting not only oral health but also overall well-being. Problems may include:

Misalignment, drifting, loosening, and loss of remaining teeth
Collapsed facial profile and limited lip support
Skin wrinkling around the mouth and distortion of facial features
Jaw pain, facial pain, headaches, and difficulty speaking
Nutritional deficiencies due to challenges with chewing and pain

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Common Causes of Jaw Bone Deterioration

Understanding the causes of jaw bone deterioration is crucial for preventing and addressing this issue. Common causes include:

Tooth Extractions: When teeth are removed without replacement, the jaw bone can begin to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation.
Periodontal Disease: Infections of the gums can lead to bone loss as the supporting structures of the teeth weaken.
Dentures/Bridgework: Dentures and some types of bridgework can contribute to bone resorption over time, especially if they are not properly fitted or anchored.
Facial Trauma: Injuries to the teeth and jaw can halt bone stimulation, leading to bone loss.
Misalignment: Misaligned teeth can create uneven pressure, leading to bone deterioration over time.
Osteomyelitis: Bacterial infections in the bone and bone marrow of the jaw can cause inflammation and bone loss.
Tumors: Benign or malignant tumors may require removal of jaw bone, necessitating reconstructive bone grafting.
Developmental Deformities: Certain conditions or syndromes may result in missing portions of the teeth or jaw, requiring bone grafting for restoration.
Sinus Deficiencies: Removal of molars in the upper jaw can lead to inadequate bone for dental implants, requiring procedures like sinus lifts.

What is a Bone Graft?

Bone grafting is a procedure used to address the loss and deterioration of jaw bone associated with missing teeth. Over time, the jaw bone can degrade, resulting in insufficient bone quality and quantity for dental implant placement.

Bone grafting offers a solution by replacing missing bone and stimulating new bone growth. This not only facilitates the placement of dental implants with proper dimensions but also restores functionality and enhances aesthetic appearance.

Bone Grafting: Restoring Jaw Bone Health

Bone grafting is a solution for restoring lost jaw bone and preparing the area for dental implants. Various types of bone grafts, including autogenous, allogenic, and xenogenic options, can be used to promote new bone growth. Additionally, synthetic materials such as demineralized bone matrix and bone morphogenetic proteins offer safe alternatives to real bone grafts.

Dr. Almandalawi or Dr. Karakourtis will evaluate your specific needs and recommend the most suitable bone grafting option to restore your jaw bone health and enhance your overall well-being.

Types of Bone Grafts

Autogenous Bone Grafts: Made from your own bone, harvested from areas like the chin, jaw, leg, hip, or skull. Offers live bone with enhanced growth potential but requires a second procedure for harvesting.
Allogenic Bone: Harvested from cadavers, serving as a scaffold for new bone growth but lacks the ability to generate bone on its own.
Xenogenic Bone: Derived from non-living bone of another species, typically a cow, providing a framework for bone growth without requiring a second procedure.

Bone Graft Substitutes

Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM): Processed allograft bone containing collagen, proteins, and growth factors, available in various forms.
Graft Composites: Combining different graft materials and growth factors to mimic natural bone composition and enhance bone growth.
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs): Naturally occurring proteins in the body that promote bone formation and healing.

Each option has its own advantages and considerations. Dr. Almandalawi or Dr. Karakourtis will help determine the most suitable option for your needs.