Causes and Types of Bone Deterioration
in Scottsdale, AZ
What Is Jawbone Loss?
Jawbone loss happens when the bone that supports your teeth begins to shrink or weaken. This condition is more common than many realize and can occur for several reasons, including missing teeth, advanced gum disease (periodontitis), infection, or trauma. Over time, untreated bone loss can change your facial appearance, weaken your bite, and even limit your options for dental implants.
There are two main types of jawbone deterioration:
- Vertical bone loss (when the bone shrinks in height)
- Horizontal bone loss (when the bone reduces in width)
At The Pogue Center, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating jawbone loss using advanced oral and maxillofacial surgery techniques that restore your smile—and your confidence.
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Signs You May Have Jawbone Loss
Physical Symptoms:- Loose or shifting teeth
- Receding gums or teeth that appear longer
- Changes in your bite or difficulty chewing
- Facial changes, such as a sunken or hollow appearance
- Pain, discomfort, or unusual sensation in the jaw area
Common Causes:
- Missing teeth
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Tooth loss without replacement
- Osteoporosis or other systemic conditions
- Unanchored Dentures or Bridgework
- Malocclusion / Misaligned bite
- Trauma
- Infection (even low-grade infection at the site of a root canal, for example)
- Smoking, poor nutrition
- Certain Medications
If you suspect jawbone loss, contact us today, and we’ll help you determine the next steps.
How Our Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Restores Lost or Deteriorated Jawbone
Treating jawbone loss often involves a procedure called bone grafting, which replaces or encourages new bone growth where deterioration has occurred.
Why Choose a Board-Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Jawbone restoration is a delicate procedure that should only be performed by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. At The Pogue Center, our surgeon has completed rigorous specialty training and is certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Why board certification matters:
- Advanced surgical expertise
- Strict safety standards
- Trusted patient care and outcomes
Wherever you are in Scottsdale, AZ, you can feel confident knowing your oral health is in the hands of an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgery specialist who treats every patient like family.
Who Needs Jawbone Restoration Surgery?
You may be a candidate for jawbone restoration if:
- You’ve lost one or more teeth and waited to replace them
- You’ve been told you don’t qualify for dental implants due to bone loss
- You wear dentures that no longer fit well or feel uncomfortable
- You’ve had trauma or an infection that affected your jaw structure
We regularly help patients in the Scottsdale, Arizona, area regain jaw strength and improve their quality of life through advanced oral and maxillofacial surgery solutions.
Schedule a Consultation for Jawbone Restoration in Scottsdale, AZ
Don’t let jawbone loss hold you back. Our compassionate, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgery team in Scottsdale, AZ is here to help you restore your jaw health and reclaim your confidence.
Click here to schedule your private consultation with our expert oral and maxillofacial surgeon today.
Symptoms That May Require Jawbone Restoration:
- Missing teeth, especially if you've had teeth extracted and haven't replaced them
- Loose or shifting teeth, which is a sign that the jawbone no longer supports them properly
- Difficulty chewing or biting due to a weakened or uneven jaw structure
- Sunken or collapsed facial appearance, especially around the mouth or cheeks
- Jaw pain or discomfort, often caused by bone shrinkage or misalignment
- Changes in bite alignment, where your upper and lower teeth no longer meet properly
- Dentures that no longer fit well, a sign that the jawbone has changed shape
- Gum recession, sometimes accompanied by bone loss underneath
- Facial asymmetry, where one side of the jaw may appear different due to bone deterioration
- Speech difficulties, especially after tooth loss or changes in mouth structure
- Increased tooth sensitivity or mobility can indicate bone weakening around the roots
- Persistent bad breath or gum infections may be caused by bone damage due to periodontal disease
- Bone visible in the mouth caused by severe cases of gum and bone loss
- Delay in healing after tooth loss or surgery can signal inadequate bone support
- Being told you’re not a candidate for dental implants, often due to jawbone loss
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, especially after losing teeth or dealing with gum disease, you may benefit from bone grafting or other jaw restoration treatments.
Click here to schedule a consultation with a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon at The Pogue Center in Scottsdale, AZ.
Conditions That May Require Jawbone Restoration:
- Tooth Loss Without Replacement: Bone begins to shrink in areas where teeth are missing
- Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease): Advanced infection that destroys gum tissue and supporting bone
- Dental Trauma or Injury: Accidents or injuries that damage or displace jawbone structure
- Infection or Abscess in the Jaw: Can cause bone loss and tissue destruction
- Jaw Cysts or Tumors: Surgical removal may require rebuilding the affected bone
- Congenital Defects or Developmental Conditions: Conditions present at birth that affect jaw structure (e.g., cleft palate)
- Bone Atrophy from Long-Term Denture Use: Wearing traditional dentures without implants can lead to gradual bone loss
- Failed Dental Implants: Loss of supporting bone may require grafting for implant revision
- Sinus Expansion (Pneumatization) After Upper Tooth Loss: Often requires a sinus lift before implant placement
- Severe Malocclusion (Bad Bite) Due to Bone Loss: Can affect jaw alignment and function
- Osteomyelitis: A serious bone infection that can destroy jawbone
- Osteoradionecrosis: Bone damage due to radiation therapy in cancer treatment
- Osteoporosis-Related Jawbone Loss: Systemic bone loss that may affect the jaw
- Jawbone Resorption After Extraction: Natural shrinkage that occurs after tooth removal
- Lack of Bone Support for Dental Implants: Most common reason for needing a bone graft
If you've been diagnosed with any of these conditions—or told you're not a candidate for dental implants—jawbone restoration may be the key to rebuilding a healthy, functional smile.
Click here to schedule a consultation at The Pogue Center in Scottsdale, AZ, and let our expert oral and maxillofacial surgery team guide you to a personalized solution.