Ways to Stop Jaw Resorption After Having Teeth Extracted

Posted on 10/15/2025 by San Tan Oral Surgery

Dental bone graft covered by a protective membrane in the socket between two teeth.

Losing a tooth can be a stressful experience, and it's understandable to worry about the potential consequences. One concern many people have is jawbone resorption, which is the natural process of bone loss that occurs after a tooth extraction.

While jawbone resorption is inevitable, there are steps you can take to slow it down and protect your oral health.

What is Jaw Resorption?

Jawbone resorption is the gradual loss of bone density and volume in the jaw after a tooth is extracted. This happens because the tooth roots stimulate the surrounding bone, and when the tooth is gone, the bone no longer receives this stimulation. As a result, the bone starts to break down and shrink.

Jawbone resorption can have several negative consequences, including:

•	Difficulty wearing dentures: As the jawbone shrinks, dentures may become loose and uncomfortable.
•	Facial changes: Jawbone resorption can lead to a sunken appearance in the face, making you look older.
•	Bone grafting complications: If you need dental implants in the future, jawbone resorption can make the procedure more complicated and expensive.

How to Stop Jaw Resorption

While it's impossible to completely stop jawbone resorption, there are several things you can do to slow it down and protect your oral health:

1. Practice good oral care: Brushing and flossing regularly, as well as visiting your dentist for checkups and cleanings, are important for maintaining healthy gums and preventing gum disease. Gum disease can accelerate jawbone resorption.

2. Consider bone grafting: During a bone grafting procedure, your dentist will take bone from another area of your body or use synthetic bone material to rebuild the lost bone in your jaw. This can help to prevent further bone loss and support dental implants in the future.

3. Get dental implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone. They act as anchors for replacement teeth, stimulating the jawbone and preventing further resorption.

4. Use a bone preservation product: Some dentists may recommend using a bone preservation product during or after a tooth extraction. These products help to maintain the volume of the jawbone and slow down the resorption process.

5. Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help to maintain bone density and slow down jawbone resorption.

6. Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for jawbone resorption. Quitting smoking can help to slow down bone loss and improve your overall oral health.

Conclusion

Losing a tooth can be a significant event, but there are ways to manage the potential consequences. By following these tips, you can slow down jawbone resorption and protect your oral health. Remember to discuss your concerns and treatment options with your dentist to determine the best course of action for your individual situation.

By taking proactive steps and working with your dentist, you can maintain a healthy jawbone and a beautiful smile for years to come.

About
Dr. Cynthia Colson

Dr. Colson grew up in the Metro area, attending Camelback High School and ASU. She graduated from the University of Kentucky Dental School and completed her residency at Long Island Jewish Hospital in Long Island, New York. She also attended an anesthesia fellowship program at the University of Illinois at Chicago and has traveled with Healing The Children, a non-profit organization, to Bucarumanga Columbia treating patients with cleft lip and palate deformities.
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What our patients are saying about us

"Dr. Colson is amazing! She explained everything thoroughly without sounding condescending and gently but directly guides you through the whole procedure. She is excellent and super experienced. I got my wisdom teeth pulled (3 partially impacted and one simply extracted) and aside from asking too many questions under laughing gas before the general anesthesia knocked me out, I got no complications and have had essentially no pain at all." – Ana D.

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Gilbert, AZ 85297

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