Your general dentist may be able to detect when something is off with your jawbone. For instance, if it’s crooked or malformed, it can affect your bite, which will also affect the health of your teeth. However, when your jawbone requires correction, surgery is typically needed, which requires the expertise of a skilled oral surgeon. To help you understand the process, and why it may be necessary to save your smile, we answer a few common questions about jawbone grafting, and the benefits you can expect afterwards.
How Bone Grafting Can Help
When it comes to your dental health, surgery is only recommended in extreme cases where routine dental care can’t correct your oral health issues. Given the intricate nature of your jawbone and its reliance on symmetry, surgery is often necessary to correct jaw problems, such as;
- Congenital (from birth) jaw malformation
- Jawbone degradation
- Severe injury (crack or break) to the jawbone
- Asymmetry, meaning the upper and lower jawbones do not fit together correctly
The Benefits of Jawbone Correction
Regardless of the main reason for your jawbone surgery, the benefits of jaw correction can be felt throughout all of your oral structures. Improved symmetry means your bite will function better, relieving discomfort in your jaw’s joints and muscles while reducing the risks of damage to your teeth from undue pressure. Many patients also exhibit a more visually-pleasing jaw line and facial appearance, as well as improved speech and less risk of breathing/sleeping issues, like sleep apnea.
Rebuilding Your Smile’s Foundation
Alignment is a common reason for jawbone correction, but it isn’t the only reason why your jawbone might suffer. As you age, and especially if you have periodontal disease or have lost one or more teeth, your jawbone can lose density, becoming weaker and less substantial. To beef up the bone that supports your teeth, we often recommend jawbone grafts that involve integrating bone from a donor source to increase your jaw’s structural integrity. Bone grafting is a common prerequisite to dental implant placement for patients who wish to replace their teeth with implants, but have lost jawbone mass due to their lost teeth.
ABOUT YOUR CERRITOS ORAL SURGEON:
Dr. Shawn Hofkes and the staff at Cerritos Dental Surgery are highly qualified to address complex issues, including those that require oral surgery to correct. To schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Hofkes, contact us today by calling 562-584-4082. We proudly serve patients of all ages from Cerritos, Lakewood, Long Beach, Buena Park, and all surrounding communities.
