How Do You Fix Dental Bone Loss in Teeth
Bone loss can affect patients of any age but is more common among older patients. Those who have underlying medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, and those with periodontal disease are at a higher risk of bone and tooth loss. The jawbone relies on stimulation from our tooth roots to constantly regenerate which is applied to the bone when we speak, bite, and chew.
Causes of Dental Bone Loss
Osteoblast cells in the jaw bone are continually working to rebuild and strengthen the jaw when they receive the necessary stimulation from our teeth. When a tooth is lost, any stimulation in that area stops, which tricks the body into thinking that the bone is no longer needed. At this point, the body begins to break down old bone cells to recycle them in other parts of the body.
Patients with bone loss may experience symptoms like wrinkles around the mouth and the lips sinking inward, loose or shifting teeth and discomfort when chewing, and even poorly fitting dental restorations such as traditional dentures or dental bridges. Restorations can quickly become uncomfortable to wear when bone loss is present.
Treatment for Dental Bone Loss
Bone loss can have a negative impact on your overall oral health. In order to treat missing bone structure, a bone graft can be placed to help rebuild the area. There are different types of bone grafts that utilize donor cadaver bone, bone from another area of the patient's mouth, bovine bone, and synthetic bone.
The procedure for a bone graft is relatively simple. The doctor will begin by administering a local anesthetic to the area before making a small incision and placing the graft. Once the graft is in place, they will stitch up the gum tissue and allow you to heal for a few months. During this healing time, the graft will integrate with the natural bone structure and revive the area. This provides a stable foundation for further treatment such as dental implants.
Can you prevent dental bone loss?
Taking the time to practice proper oral hygiene at home and to visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and exams will greatly reduce your risk of gum disease and bone loss. This is such a simple way to prevent expensive and painful treatment down the road. Even if you are predisposed to periodontal issues, taking the necessary steps to maintain your teeth and gums can prevent future bone loss.
In the event that your dentist does diagnose you with gum disease, it is important to have it treated as soon as possible. Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, presents as gum inflammation and bleeding upon brushing and flossing. Effects of gingivitis can still be reversed if it is caught early. To prevent gingivitis from progressing into periodontitis, your dentist may advise you to have a deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing.
And finally, it is vital to the health of your mouth to have treatment for missing teeth! Dental implants are the only restoration that mimic the stimulation of natural tooth roots. A titanium, screw-like post is placed into the jaw bone to help the bone cells reattach themselves and rebuild the jaw bone. An implant crown or denture is placed on the implant to restore the health of your mouth and give you back your smile.