birth defect: excess bone inside lower jaw

[jswetzel]

I am losing all my good teeth because my bone (since birth) is inside my lower jaw and not in a supporting position.  What can I do?

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

I'm not sure if I exactly follow what you are saying.  If the teeth are malpositioned in the jaw, I would consider going to an orthodontist to see if they can place them back in a proper position.  I'm not sure if that answers your question though.

[jswetzel]

I believe they are called nodules?  1% of the people have them I was told by one dentist.  They have always been there.  I don't feel them, but as my gums age and lose elasticity, I am losing good solid teeth without bone to hold them.  I have been told that the nodules must be removed surgically before I can have false teeth.  Is there any other way?

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

I think what's going on is that you have a periodontal condition in which you are losing the bone which holds your teeth and therefore the teeth are loosening.  Periodontal disease is usually attributed to plaque and tartar buildup over the years.  

If you have tori (nodules), it may need to be removed so that a denture can be properly fitted because sometimes they get in the way and don't allow a good fit and also because the gums on top of the tori tend to be thinner and thus more sensitive.  If you had a denture on top, there could be discomfort when using them.  

The only other alternative I can think of is to have dental implants placed and have crowned placed on them.  It depends on how much bone you have left for dental implants.  Also, the cost to replace it with dental implants and crowns can be very expensive.

You may want to discuss it with your dentist.  Also, usually tori removal surgery isn't as painful as it sounds.  Its probably about the equivalent to getting a tooth removed.  Its not more painful than that, although I don't know if that makes you feel better.