The jawbone is an essential part of the facial structure, defining the features of the lower half and playing an important role in the ability to speak and chew food. However, jawbone erosion can negatively affect oral health in particular and overall health in general. This erosion occurs as a result of several factors, such as tooth loss or gum disease, and if not treated properly, it can lead to dental problems, facial deformities, or other issues. Jawbone grafting is one of the most common treatment methods. If you are concerned about jawbone erosion, Dalili Medical advises you to contact your doctor as soon as possible to get the appropriate guidance to treat your condition.

What is the jawbone?

 

The dental arch is the curved structure that contains your teeth, consisting of the supporting gums and alveolar bone. This arched design contributes to maintaining the long-term health of the teeth and ensuring a correct bite, with the upper teeth slightly forward of the lower teeth.

There are two types of dental arch: the upper arch (also known as the maxilla) and the lower arch (also known as the mandible). An adult typically has 32 permanent teeth, 16 in the upper arch and 16 in the lower arch.

Are the steps for implanting the upper jaw different from the lower?

 

In general, the procedures for implanting teeth in the upper jaw do not differ significantly from those in the lower jaw. However, some cases of dental implants in the upper jaw may require elevating the maxillary sinus area to obtain a suitable and sufficient height for the implants to be installed later.

**Does jawbone grafting cause pain?**

 

Many people wonder about the level of pain associated with dental implants, including jawbone grafting. We would like to assure you, dear reader, that the pain after the procedure is usually mild to moderate. It is essential to adhere to taking the prescribed medications, such as painkillers and antibiotics, to ensure quick and effective pain relief.

**Does jawbone grow after bone grafting?**

 

Yes, the implanted bone grows, but this process takes several months. After this period, the doctor can perform dental implants without any problems. During this period, the patient must adhere to regular follow-up with the doctor.

**Is jawbone erosion dangerous?**

 

Jawbone erosion is a rare and serious condition that occurs when cells in the upper or lower jaw die. This condition causes the gums to be unable to cover a certain area of ​​the jawbone. This condition must last for at least 8 weeks to be considered jawbone erosion.

Does jawbone grow?

 

The graft plays an important role in stimulating the growth and reshaping of the jawbone, which helps provide the appropriate environment for dental implants, while implants are used to replace missing teeth.

Are teeth considered bones?

 

Teeth are solid, semi-bone structures that contain roots that extend into pockets inside the jaws. The tooth consists of a pulp that contains nerves and blood vessels, surrounded by enamel-covered dentin at the crown, which is the visible part of the tooth, in addition to dental cement at the root.

How does tooth loss affect the jawbone?

 

The type of bone in the jaws is known as alveolar bone, which is the main support for the teeth. When teeth are lost, chewing efficiency decreases, which negatively affects the jawbone and leads to its atrophy. The more teeth are lost, the greater the amount of erosion and atrophy, which increases the cost of jawbone implants in Egypt. When thinking about replacing missing teeth after a while, a person may discover that the bone in which the dentist will implant the new tooth is either non-existent or very weak, making jawbone implantation necessary before the tooth itself is implanted.

**What is the importance of jawbone implantation?**

 

Dentists consider jawbone implantation or bone grafting as a "base" on which the jawbone grows, expanding and supporting itself to be suitable for medical procedures such as dental implants. In some cases, jawbone graft tissue is combined with platelet-rich plasma extracted from the patient's own blood to promote healing and tissue healing.

**What is jawbone implantation? And when do we need it?**

 

Jawbone implantation is a surgical procedure that aims to rebuild or restore weak or deficient jawbone, especially for people who have lost their teeth and cannot have dental implants directly due to lack of bone density. This process is essential to support dental implants and improve the overall quality of life of patients.

During dental bone grafting, volume and density are added to the jaw bone structure to compensate for what has been lost, which is an important step in dental implants if the jaw bone needs it. Grafts can be obtained from the body itself or from what is known as a tissue bank, whether human or animal grafts, provided that they are compatible with the recipient body.

**What are the types of jaw bone grafting?**

 

Jaw bone density can be improved through the following options:

1. **Using natural bone:** The bone is taken from the patient himself, either from the jaw bone or from other areas of the body.

2. **Using artificial bone:** This option relies on artificial materials to graft and enhance the jaw bone.

**What are dental and jaw bone diseases?**

 

**Jaw bone erosion:** This condition is considered rare and dangerous, as the jaw cells die, leading to tooth loss. In this case, the gums cannot cover the area of ​​the eroded bone, and this condition must continue for a month and a half to ensure the need for treatment.

**Jaw bone atrophy:** It occurs as a result of gum infections that lead to the formation of gum pockets in the mouth. As the condition worsens, the bones weaken and the rate of erosion increases, making the bone layer very thin. The main symptoms of bone atrophy are vitamin D deficiency, aging, exposure to osteoporosis, and women approaching menopause.

**Treatment of dental bone erosion:** In the first stage, treatment is done with antibiotics and antibacterial mouthwash.

**Dental bone inflammation:** This inflammation occursHap as a result of inflammation of the roots of the teeth.

### Causes of jawbone erosion

 

**Tooth loss:** Tooth loss is one of the most prominent causes of jawbone erosion. The presence of teeth contributes to maintaining bone health, as the roots of the teeth inside the jawbone send signals to the brain about the importance of this area and the need to preserve it.

**Gum diseases:** Chronic gum infections negatively affect the surrounding bones. In advanced cases, bacteria can lead to erosion of the gums and jawbone, resulting in tooth loss.

**Accidents and trauma:** A tooth falls out or breaks, erosion occurs as explained previously. In addition, a fracture of the jawbone may lead to bone erosion years after the injury.

**Periodontitis:** Periodontitis causes negative effects as a result of bacteria that adhere to the surface of the teeth, along with a strong immune response to these bacteria. If gingivitis develops into periodontitis, the supporting tissues and bones that hold the teeth in place are subject to deterioration. This gradual loss of bone can lead to loosening and loss of teeth.

**Dentures** Using fixed dentures can accelerate bone loss. These types of dentures are placed above the gum line, but they do not provide any direct stimulation to the underlying bone. Over time, the bone deteriorates, causing the dentures to loosen and problems with eating and speaking. If dentures begin to loosen, they may need to be replaced.

**Common medical conditions:** Some medical conditions that can affect bone health include: bone cell death due to pathological causes, osteoporosis, thyroid problems, radiation therapy, and Paget's disease.

**Medications:** Some medications that can contribute to jaw bone erosion include:

. **Bisphosphonates**

Medications used to strengthen bones can cause jawbone erosion. Bisphosphonates prevent the body from repairing microscopic damage to the jawbone during routine dental procedures, such as tooth extractions or implants.

**Examples of bisphosphonates include:**

 

- Ibandronate

- Alendronate sodium

- Risedronate

- Zoledronic acid

The risk of developing the condition depends on the medical condition for which the bisphosphonate is being used. Patients who receive bisphosphonates intravenously as part of cancer treatment may be at increased risk.

. Denosumab Some medications used to reduce bone pain and complications from advanced breast cancer that has spread to the bones, such as denosumab, can cause jawbone erosion. Taking a high dose of denosumab, about 120 milligrams under the skin once a month, increases the risk. In addition, many women with breast cancer take bisphosphonate medications, because some breast cancer treatments can lead to osteoporosis, which increases the risk.

**Symptoms of jawbone erosion**

 

Jawbone erosion can occur without symptoms for long periods, and pain may precede the appearance of noticeable signs.

Symptoms and signs associated with jawbone erosion include:

- Pain, swelling, redness, and other signs of gum infection.

- Poor healing of the gums and teeth after extractions or surgery.

- Numbness and heaviness in the jaw.

- Bone formation in the mouth.

- Purulent discharge from the exposed bone in the upper or lower jaw.

- Mouth ulcers.

- Loose teeth.

**Diagnosis of symptoms of temporomandibular joint erosion**

 

**Clinical examination**

The doctor performs a comprehensive examination of the mouth and jaw to ensure that there are no signs of joint erosion. The clinical examination includes the following:

- **Examination of the joint area**: The doctor gently presses on the joint area to check for any pain or sensitivity.

- **Monitoring jaw movement**: The doctor asks the patient to open and close his mouth, while observing the ease and smoothness of movement. The doctor may also check for any crackling or abnormal sounds.

- **Evaluation of muscle spasms**: The doctor feels the muscles surrounding the joint to ensure that there are no spasms or swelling.

- **Patient's medical history**: The doctor reviews the history of symptoms and their duration, in addition to any previous injuries or medical conditions that may be associated with joint erosion.

**The importance of X-rays in diagnosis**

 

X-rays are a vital tool for determining the degree of joint erosion and accurately assessing its condition. X-rays play a role in:

- **Bone imaging**: Provides a clear image of the jaw bones and joint, enabling the doctor to observe any changes or erosion in the bone structure.

- **Determining the degree of erosion**: Helps assess the extent of erosion that the joint has undergone, including bone loss or changes in the shape of the joint.

- **Detecting fractures**: X-rays can reveal any tiny fractures or cracks in the jaw bones that may be the result of joint erosion.

- **Monitoring progress**: Used to follow the development of the condition over time and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments provided.

**Types of X-rays used**

1. **Panoramic X-ray**: Provides a comprehensive image of the jaw, teeth and joints, which helps in assessing the overall condition.

2. **Lateral X-ray**: Provides a side image of the jaw and joint, making it easier to determine the extent of erosion in specific areas.

**Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)**

 

**Benefits of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis**

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced technology that provides detailed images of the joint and surrounding tissues. MRI has several advantages:

- **Detailed imaging**: Provides high-resolution images of the joint, enabling the doctor to clearly see soft tissues such as ligaments and cartilage.

- **Soft tissue evaluation**: MRI can detect changes in the soft tissues surrounding the joint, such as swelling or damage to the ligaments and cartilage.

-*Determine the extent of inflammation**: It helps assess the level of inflammation in the joint and surrounding tissues, providing valuable information to determine the appropriate treatment.

- **Detect subtle injuries**: MRI can detect subtle injuries that may not be apparent on X-rays, such as ligament tears or early changes in cartilage.

* **MRI procedure**

**Patient preparation**: The patient is asked to remove any jewelry or metal items before the examination begins, and is instructed to wear clothing specifically designed for this purpose.

**Examination procedure**: The patient is placed inside the MRI machine, which relies on strong magnets and radio waves to take precise images of the joint.

**Examination duration:** The examination usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes, during which time the patient must remain still to ensure clear images.

**Jawbone grafting steps**

 

Bone grafting in the jaw is a topic that worries many patients, so explaining the steps of this surgery can help reduce this anxiety. Bone grafting operations are performed in dental clinics according to the following steps:

1. The doctor begins by giving the patient a local anesthetic, then makes a small incision in the gum tissue to reach the jawbone.

2. The gum tissue is gently moved backwards so that the jawbone becomes visible.

3. The doctor sterilizes the area well to ensure cleanliness.

4. The doctor inserts the artificial material needed to build the jawbone or fixes the bone blocks extracted from the patient's body.

5. In the case of using artificial materials, they are covered with an absorbable membrane to act as a barrier between the gum tissue and the bone graft material, which helps speed up the healing process.

6. Finally, the gum tissue is returned to its natural position and the surgical incisions are closed with sutures.

**What happens after jawbone grafting?**

 

After the jawbone grafting is completed and the effect of the anesthetic wears off, the patient may feel pain that can be controlled with painkillers under the supervision of the doctor.

As for the antibiotics prescribed by the doctor, they play an important role, and they must be taken accurately according to the specified doses and dates.

The recovery period will last for a few months, after which the doctor will begin the dental implant procedures.

After the jawbone grafting procedure, you may experience some pain, swelling and bruising, which are very common side effects that begin to subside within a few days.

The doctor usually prescribes painkillers to help you deal with these symptoms. Taking the antibiotics prescribed by the doctor is also very important, and you must adhere to the specified dose and dates.

In the first few days, you may notice the exit of small parts of the bone graft, which may resemble grains of sand or salt. There is no need to worry about this as long as other things are going well.

After completing the jawbone grafting procedure, the patient is expected to go through several stages during the recovery period:

After the jawbone grafting is completed and the effect of the anesthetic wears off, the patient may feel pain that can be controlled using painkillers under the supervision of the doctor.

As for the antibiotics prescribed by the doctor, they play an important role, and must be taken accurately according to the specified doses and times.

The recovery period will last for a few months, after which the doctor will begin the dental implant procedures.