What Happens to Your Jawbone After Extraction?
When a tooth is extracted, the jawbone that previously supported it begins to resorb — shrinking in both width and height. This process starts immediately and can result in 25-30% bone loss within the first year alone.
Why Does Bone Loss Happen?
Your jawbone needs stimulation from tooth roots to maintain its density and volume. When a tooth is removed, that stimulation stops, and the body begins to reabsorb the bone in that area. This process is called disuse atrophy — the same principle that causes muscle loss when you stop exercising.
Timeline of Bone Loss
- First 3 months: The most rapid bone loss occurs — up to 40% of width can be lost
- 6-12 months: Continued resorption; bone height begins to decrease
- 1-3 years: Significant dimensional changes; dentures may become loose
- 5+ years: Advanced atrophy; facial contours may change (“sunken” appearance)
How to Prevent Bone Loss
Socket Preservation (Ridge Preservation)
The most effective prevention is ridge preservation — placing bone graft material into the socket immediately after extraction. This maintains bone volume for future implant placement.
Immediate Implant Placement
In some cases, a dental implant can be placed at the same time as the extraction, eliminating the gap period when bone loss would occur.
Bone Grafting
If bone loss has already occurred, bone grafting can rebuild the jawbone to support implants and restore facial contours.
The Key Takeaway
Don’t wait to replace missing teeth. The longer you wait after extraction, the more bone you lose — and the more complex (and expensive) future treatment becomes.
Schedule Your Consultation
When you’re considering complex dental treatment, we’re happy to walk through your options. Our specialist team is located right here in the Tualatin Valley corridor. Contact our experienced clinical team today to secure your comprehensive 3D CBCT diagnostic assessment.
📍 Clinic Location: 18455 SW Alexander St, Suite B, Beaverton, OR 97006 | Serving the Portland Metro area.
Conveniently located in Beaverton, OR — serving Aloha, Hillsboro, and the Portland west side.
Se habla Español — Llame al (503) 822-0096
Consult with Aloha Dental Specialty Center
Dental Specialty Practice • Aloha Dental Specialty Center
Specialty dental care in Beaverton, Oregon: dental implants, periodontal care, root canal therapy, pediatric dentistry, and emergency care.
