When the jawbone doesn’t receive regular stimulus, the body perceives that the bone is no longer needed and begins to absorb the cells that build the bone so they can be used elsewhere. The main way the bone is stimulated is by supporting the tooth root as it bears the pressures of chewing and biting, which means that when a tooth is missing, these stimuli are reduced. In the absence of such stimuli, bone resorption begins to occur, gradually causing the lower face to appear sunken and wrinkled and interfering with comfortable eating and speaking. The optimal way to prevent dental bone loss when a tooth is missing is to replace the tooth right away with a dental implant. Dental implants function similarly to the tooth root, using a tiny titanium post to support an artificial tooth while stimulating the bone and preventing resorption. However, immediate dental implants aren’t always an option for every patient, and sometimes dentists need to address dental bone loss that has already begun or progressed. While some level of bone loss is natural as people age, there are ways to slow down bone resorption and keep the smile attractive and youthful while maintaining oral health.
One of the most beneficial ways of preventing bone resorption is by maintaining the health of the teeth and gums. When gum disease first appears, it can be reversed; as it progresses, however, and develops into periodontal disease, it can result in detachment of the oral tissues, tooth loss, and bone loss. Early treatment is the best way to prevent this progression, and the optimal method of treating early gum disease is with a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from the gumline. These deep cleanings can only be successfully performed by a dental specialist. If the buildup of plaque and tartar is excessive, your dentist might recommend a scaling and root planing treatment, in which the dental specialist cleans and polishes the root surfaces below the gumline as well as above the gums. These treatments prevent bacteria from eating away at the bone and connective tissues and help keep the teeth in place, intact. Osteoporosis, a condition of brittle bones caused by insufficient calcium, can also affect the jawbone, as can injury or trauma to the face.
For patients seeking treatment for dental bone loss, bone grafting and tissue regeneration methods may be recommended. Bone grafting is a surgical technique that uses biocompatible materials, surgically implanted into the jaw, to encourage the regeneration of bone cells and support the growth of new bone, while guided tissue regeneration helps guide the new bone cells into the right place. Bone grafts are particularly important when patients have significant bone loss and are preparing to replace missing teeth with dental implants, as implants can only be effectively supported by a sufficient amount of healthy bone. Once the implants are placed, they help maintain the health and integrity of the newly developed bone, keeping it vital and strong.
Certain lifestyle changes can also help keep the bones strong and healthy while working to prevent periodontal disease and osteoporosis. There are some factors beyond human control, like aging or genetics, but patients can support the strength of their jawbones, and their overall health, by choosing healthy habits, like quitting smoking, routinely brushing and flossing, regularly visiting their dentist, and adopting a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Each of these choices helps maintain the oral health and reduce the likelihood of gum disease and tooth loss, staving off the effects of dental bone loss.