Actor Mickey Rourke's recent appearance, where he appeared to be missing teeth, has drawn attention to his long-standing dental issues. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon explained that facial trauma and significant stress have likely contributed to his current dental condition.
Rourke, 73, has a history that includes amateur and professional boxing, leading to multiple facial injuries. He has spoken previously about undergoing several reconstructive surgeries, including procedures for a broken nose and a smashed cheekbone. In 2009, he told the Daily Mail that he had had his nose broken twice, with five operations on it and one on his cheekbone, requiring cartilage from his ear to rebuild his nose. He also noted that he had gone to an unqualified surgeon for initial repairs, necessitating corrective procedures.
Dental Impact of Trauma
Dr. Jason Auerbach, who uses the social media handle @bloodytoothguy, explained that trauma to the face, even if it does not directly hit the mouth, can affect teeth and their supporting structures. A blow to the jaw, for instance, can cause fractures on the opposite side of the jaw, leading to significant damage to the teeth's foundation. This damage can have long-term consequences for dental health.
Rourke himself mentioned missing teeth in 2014 during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel's show, recalling that his dentist had informed him his implants were 20 years old and might fail. Auerbach clarified that dental implants, when properly placed by a board-certified surgeon, restored by a dentist, and maintained by the patient, are generally considered permanent and can last a lifetime.
Bone Resorption and Stress
However, the phenomenon of bone resorption can lead to implant failure. This occurs when bone loss happens around the implant screw in the jaw over time. Stress can accelerate this process. The stress hormone cortisol can decrease calcium absorption, weakening bones, and also increase bone breakdown while slowing new bone formation. Additionally, teeth clenching and grinding can exacerbate bone loss around implants and teeth, leading to wear and even fractures. Rourke has reportedly faced recent stressors, including eviction from his home earlier this year.
Addressing Dental Reconstruction
Before dental reconstruction can occur, a solid bone foundation is necessary. Repeated injuries or wear and tear can diminish bone density. In such cases, bone grafting may be required, where bone is harvested from areas like the hip, lower leg, or other parts of the jaw, or even from a cadaver. After a healing period of three to six months, the bone can regenerate. Subsequently, screws can be inserted into the jaw to serve as anchors for artificial teeth. Auerbach considers implants the superior option for tooth replacement. He also noted that while removable dentures are more economical, they present numerous drawbacks, including difficulty with maintenance, potential discomfort, and issues with chewing, making them a less ideal long-term solution.