Is your jawbone slowly dissolving? (Condylar Resorption) Today we'll talk about it!

Have you ever noticed that some people's lower jaw seems to have sunken in a little, or their chin is not visible at all? Maybe there is pain in the jaw area, or even a sound when opening the mouth. One possible reason behind these things is the melting of the jaw bone that we are talking about today, a condition called (Condylar Resorption) . Don't worry, we will talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.

What is this (Condylar Resorption)?

Simply put, Condylar Resorption is when our temporomandibular joints (TMJs) that work when we open and close our mouths gradually melt, wear away, and disappear. These mandibular condyles are the important parts that connect our lower jaw ( the mandible) to the skull on both sides. So when these melt away, our lower jaw shrinks and goes inward, as if it has shrunk. This change can sometimes happen quickly, in just a few months , or it can take years .

Who is more likely to develop this condition?

Consider this: Medical reports show that this condition (Condylar Resorption) is nine times more likely to occur in girls and women than in men. It is especially common among young girls between the ages of 10 and 20. So if you have a family member or someone you know in this age group, it is worth being a little aware of this.

How does (Condylar Resorption) affect our body?

This can really make a big difference in the appearance and shape of our face . You may notice that the lower jaw has shrunk, the chin is not as clearly visible, and the balance of the face has changed. Not only that, but this (Condylar Resorption) can also cause problems related to the jaw joint called (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - TMD) . This means that the muscles and ligaments around the jaw joint become swollen and inflamed, which can cause headaches, jaw pain, inability to open and close the mouth properly, and a noise coming from the jaw joint when eating .

Why does this (Condylar Resorption) occur? What are the causes?

Okay, now let's see why the jawbone is melting like this. There are several reasons that can affect this.

• Some autoimmune diseases are diseases in which our own body's defense system mistakenly attacks our own healthy cells. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis , scleroderma , and systemic lupus erythematosus .
• Avascular necrosis : This is a condition in which bone cells die due to a lack of blood supply to the bone.
• Hormonal changes : Hormonal imbalances, especially during adolescent development, can affect young girls.
• Infection in the jaw joint.
• As a complication of things like orthodontic treatment or jaw surgery , this does not happen to everyone.
• Degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis .
• Reactive arthritis .
• Accidents to the jaw, like falling while playing and hitting your jaw.

Sometimes this condition can occur without any apparent cause . Doctors call it idiopathic condylar resorption . But it is a very rare condition.

What symptoms does a person with Condylar Resorption show?

The most common symptom of condylar resorption is a change in the shape and appearance of the face . The main symptom is that the jaw and chin appear to be sunken and sunken. In addition, symptoms such as:

• Frequent fatigue .
• Headache .
• Pain in the jaw area, 'clicking' or 'popping' sounds when opening and closing the mouth .
• Teeth crowding, or malocclusion, means that the teeth do not fit together properly.
• Overbite .
• An open bite is a gap between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed , meaning the teeth do not meet properly.

How do doctors accurately diagnose this condition?

If you have these symptoms, it's best to see a doctor. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. They may also ask about:

• Your complete health history , any other current illnesses, and medications you are taking.
• Does anyone in the family have immune system diseases or other diseases related to this (Condylar Resorption).
• About your lifestyle , sports, and activities.
• About the medications you are currently taking .

Then, special imaging tests may be done to clearly see the jaw, teeth, and facial bone structure. These tests can clearly see if the jawbone is melting and to what extent.

• X-ray examination.
• A CT scan .
• An MRI scan.

To manage this condition, you may need the support and advice of several people, including dentists (especially orthodontists) , rheumatologists , or your family doctor (Primary Care Providers - PCPs) . You may also be started on long-term medications to control the rate of bone loss before undergoing surgery.

What are the treatments for Condylar Resorption?

Treatment options depend on your facial shape, age, severity of the condition, and other health conditions. Don't worry, there are treatments for this.

• Anti-inflammatory medications : These can help slow the spread of the disease and control pain.
• Bite splints or night guards : Some people grind their teeth at night (Bruxism) , and these can be used to reduce the damage to their teeth. These are like a protective cover that is placed over the teeth.
• Condylectomy : This is a surgical procedure that removes the mandibular condyles, reshaping the jaw to help it function properly and improve the appearance of the face.
• Orthodontics : For example, braces and retainers can be used to correct crooked teeth and protruding teeth.
• Orthognathic surgery : This is a more complex surgery. It involves realigning the upper and lower jaws to restore facial balance. It may also be done in conjunction with TMJ reconstruction surgery.

How long does it take to recover after surgery?

It can take about 6 to 12 weeks to fully recover after surgeries like Condylectomy and Orthognathic surgery. You should only eat a liquid diet for the first two to four weeks, as you need to give your jaw a rest. Once your jaw starts to heal, you can gradually start eating soft foods . Everything should be done according to your doctor's instructions.

Can the risk of condylar resorption be reduced?

There is no clear way to prevent condylar resorption. However, it is very important to see your doctor or dentist regularly, talk about any changes or problems you notice in your jaw or teeth, and have regular medical checkups . This will help you identify any problems early.

What are the long-term effects if left untreated?

If the teeth or jaw are pulled back due to Condylar Resorption, that is, if they are not positioned properly, long-term problems such as:

• Teeth breaking and erupting .
• Frequent headaches and jaw pain .
• Neck and back pain .
• Toothache .
• It may be difficult to open your mouth, eat, or even talk .
• Significant changes in facial appearance .
• Chronic pain in the (TMJ) joint .

If you have these symptoms (Condylar Resorption), see a doctor immediately. Early treatment can reduce or prevent many of these problems. So, do not be afraid and do not delay, but seek medical advice.

When can I go back to work/school after surgery?

Recovery time after surgery varies from person to person. Most people can return to work or school in about two weeks . However, if you have a physically demanding job, it may take longer to fully recover. It is best to ask your doctor for advice on how long you should take off and when you can resume normal activities.

What is the outlook for this situation?

Condylar resorption is not a life-threatening or fatal condition. You can live with this condition without treatment. However, if left untreated, the changes in your facial appearance, jaw, and teeth will remain the same , and may even worsen over time.

Many people have very good, satisfying results after surgery for condylar resorption. When the jaw is properly aligned, your natural facial shape is restored and problems with your teeth or jaw are prevented. If you decide not to have surgery, or if your condition is not severe, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce pain and other symptoms (e.g., painkillers, dietary changes).

How can I take care of myself? What can I do at home?

If you are experiencing pain or jaw problems due to Condylar Resorption, try these things at home to help relieve some of your symptoms:

• Apply moist heat (like a hot towel) or ice packs to your jaw area. Don't leave the ice pack on for more than 10 minutes at a time. Stop if it feels too cold. Apply the moist heat pack for about 15 minutes at a time, about four times a day.
• Give your jaw a break . When your jaw hurts, eat soft foods (rice, mashed vegetables, soups). Slow-cook meats until they are tender. Instead of raw fruits and vegetables, boil them, and drink juices. Avoid hard-to-chew meats, breads (e.g., toast), and hard, brittle foods (e.g., crackers, toffee). Avoid chewing gum .
• Try painkillers . Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) , such as aspirin , ibuprofen (brand names: Advil®, Motrin®), and naproxen (brand names: Aleve®), can help with headaches and jaw pain. But if you have any other medical conditions (e.g., gastritis, kidney disease), be sure to check with your doctor before taking these. Follow the directions on the bottle/pill exactly, and do not take these medications for more than two weeks without your doctor's approval.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor without delay:

• If your headaches are frequent, getting worse, or affecting your daily activities to the point where you can't function .
• If your jaw, neck, or back pain is getting worse .
• If you have a toothache or feel like your tooth is breaking/exploding .
• If you have difficulty eating or drinking due to pain in your jaw or face .

The most important things we learned from this story (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so now you have a good understanding of what we talked about today (Condylar Resorption). Here are some of the most important things to remember:

• Condylar resorption is a condition in which part of the jawbone (specifically the mandibular condyles) gradually dissolves and wears away. This can cause facial disfigurement, jaw joint pain, and difficulty eating.
• This situation is especially common among young girls .
• There can be many reasons; things like certain immune system diseases, hormonal changes, accidents, etc. Sometimes, no clear cause can be found.
• If you experience symptoms such as a sudden change in facial shape, a receding lower jaw, jaw pain, or a popping sound when you open your mouth , see a doctor immediately .
• There is nothing to worry about, there are treatments for this. This condition can be managed with medication, braces, and possibly surgery.
• Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent many long-term problems. So don't be ashamed or afraid to seek medical advice. You are not alone!

` Jawbone loss, condylar resorption, temporomandibular joint, TMJ, jaw pain, facial changes, tooth extraction