The Importance of Teeth for Jawbone Health
Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants – Grand Rapids & Rockford MI
When one or more teeth are missing it can lead to bone loss at the site of the gap. This loss of jawbone can develop into additional problems, both with your appearance and your overall health. You may experience pain, problems with your remaining teeth, altered facial appearance, and eventually even the inability to speak and/or eat normally.
In the same way that muscles are maintained through exercise, bone tissue is maintained by use. 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 into the mouth, no longer receives the necessary stimulation it needs and begins to break down, or resorb. The body no longer uses or “needs” the jawbone, so it deteriorates.
Potential Consequences of Tooth & Jawbone Loss
- Problems with remaining teeth, including misalignment, drifting, loosening, and loss
- Collapsed facial profile
- Limited lip support
- Skin wrinkling around the mouth
- Distortion of other facial features
- Jaw (TMJ or temporomandibular joint) pain, facial pain, and headaches
- Difficulty speaking and communicating
- Inadequate nutrition as a result of the inability to chew properly and painlessly
- Sinus expansion
Click To Call
Grand Rapids Office Phone Number 616-361-7327 Make An
Appointment Online Patient
Registration
Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Patient Review By Connie G
I was extremely satisfied with my care and am already planning on having more work done there.
- Connie G
Patient Review By Lori W
There is no way to thank Dr Panek and his staff for all the work, that was done for me. I hope sometime in the future I can pay it forward, to some one else. Thank you so very much. And to the girl who handled that huge camera, that took the finished pictures, great job!!!
- Lori W