Signs of Jaw Bone Disease

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a disease in which cells in the jawbone begin to die for reasons that are not fully understood. It's a rare but serious condition, the symptoms of which include dental pain, infection and poor healing.

Gum Infection

• With osteonecrosis, the gums may show signs of infection, such as pain, redness, swelling, and the formation of pus.

Poor Healing

• With osteonecrosis of the jaw, the gums do not heal normally or recover from normal wear and tear. Poor healing may be especially evident after receiving dental work.

Loose Teeth

• As bone cells die without normal repair and gums do not heal normally, teeth may loosen in their sockets.

Bone Exposure

• The underlying bone of the jaw that supports the teeth may become exposed as the gums erode.

Numbness

• Numbness of the jaw, as the disease progresses and the nerves are affected, is common.

Risk Factors

• Cancer, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and using biophosphanates (to prevent osteoporosis) for over three years are things that seem to be related to the development of osteonecrosis.