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Dr. Shiba and her staff want to ensure you that your health is our highest priority. Our commitment to your safety is the foundation of our care.
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Jaw Bone Health
San Jose, CA


Woman SmilingYour jaw bone is important. Not only does it support your teeth, it plays essential roles in your abilities to eat and speak while also maintaining your facial shape and supporting your facial tissues. There are several factors that can affect the health of your jaw. Nancy Shiba, DDS can help.

What Can Cause Bone Loss?


There are several issues that can lead to the loss of bone mass in your jaw. These issues include:
•  Tooth loss. Whether your teeth have been lost or extracted, missing teeth can contribute significantly. The teeth provide stimulation for the bone, which helps to keep it strong. When you lose teeth, that stimulation is lost.
•  Gum disease. In more advanced stages of gum disease, periodontal pockets form that trap bacteria. Chronic inflammation causes the breakdown of periodontal ligaments and bone.
•  Dentures. While dentures restore the functions of the teeth, they do not restore the stimulation of your jawbone. The bone continues to weaken over time. Ill-fitting dentures can speed up bone loss.
•  Alignment issues. These issues affect your bite, which can lead to bone loss.
•  Tumors. Removing tumors in or near the jaw can lead to the need to remove a portion of the bone.
•  Osteoporosis. This condition weakens all of your bones, including your jawbone.

Effects of Bone Loss


Bone loss in your jaw has several effects. One of the major effects is the changes that happen to your facial appearance. Without sufficient bone mass to support your skin, your lips and cheeks sink in, you may develop jowls, and wrinkles begin to form. Bone loss can cause any healthy teeth remaining to shift out of natural alignment, throwing off your bite. Severe bone loss can also have a major impact on your abilities to eat and speak.

Bone Loss and Dental Implants


Dental implants are a popular treatment for replacing missing teeth. They offer numerous benefits, including the preservation of your jawbone health. However, to be placed, you need to have sufficient bone mass remaining in the jaw. Without enough bone mass, your jaw cannot properly fuse to, and support, the posts. This can result in loose implants or even complete implant failure.

Restoring Missing Bone Mass


Bone mass can be restored. This is done through bone grafting. A bone graft is a surgical procedure that replaces bone mass in the jaw with either bone mass from elsewhere in your own body or bone mass from a compatible donor. Replacing missing bone mass restores the strength of your jaw and its shape. With strength restored, dental implants become possible.

Maintaining a Healthy Jaw


Keeping your jawbone healthy is important. There are several things that you can do. First, brush and floss your teeth every day, and have your teeth regularly cleaned and examined. This can help to prevent gum disease and the loss of your teeth. If you are missing teeth, have them replaced as soon as possible with dental implants. A well-balanced, healthy diet is also essential. Vitamin D and calcium are crucial for the health of your bones and your teeth.
Maintaining a healthy jaw is essential for your oral health, your overall health, your appearance, and your quality of life. If you have any questions about your jaw bone health, call Nancy Shiba, DDS today at (669) 306-7669.


Our Office
In San Jose


Nancy Shiba, DDS


125 N Jackson Ave, Suite 103, San Jose, CA 95116-1903

Logo for Nancy Shiba, DDS


Phone


(669) 306-7669

Hours


Mon: 9AM–6PM
Tue: by appointment
Wed: 9AM–6PM
Thur: 9AM–3PM
Friday: 8AM–5PM
Sat & Sun: Closed
Copyright © 2016-2024 Nancy Shiba, DDS and WEO Media (Touchpoint Communications LLC). All rights reserved.
Jaw Bone Health in San Jose, CA
Nancy Shiba, DDS, 125 N Jackson Ave, Suite 103, San Jose, CA 95116-1914; (669) 306-7669; nancyshibadds.com; 10/29/2024