Is Dental Bone Loss Serious
Dental bone loss affects many patients and is simply an unfortunate side effect of the aging process but it can happen to patients at any age for a number of reasons. The most common cause of bone loss is a missing tooth that has not been replaced. Within one year of tooth loss, 25% of bone mass in the area is lost.
The roots of our teeth are embedded in the jaw bone and actually help encourage bone regeneration and prevent resorption, bone deterioration. Speaking and eating are a kind of workout for the jaw, providing the necessary stimulation via the tooth roots for bone growth.
What can cause dental bone loss?
There are a few things that can contribute to bone loss in the jaw. Let’s take a closer look!
Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and if it is caught early, can be eradicated and any damage that has been done can usually be reversed. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis at which point the gum tissue will begin to recede and the bacteria in plaque will eat away at the bone structure and periodontal ligaments holding the teeth to the bone. Gum disease can be detrimental to overall health.
Crooked Teeth
When a patient has a bad bite, all of the teeth do not come together when eating, so there may be a lack of stimulation in a couple of areas throughout the mouth that make those spots more susceptible to bone loss. Other misalignment issues, including TMJ, erupting wisdom teeth, lack of dental care, and normal wear-and-tear can also make it more difficult to chew and bite properly. Orthodontic treatment can align the teeth and correct a bad bite for continued bone health.
Tooth Loss
This is the most common cause for jaw bone deterioration. Our natural teeth help stimulate bone regeneration so when a tooth is lost or extracted but is not replaced, that area of the jaw no longer receives the necessary stimulation and begins to deteriorate. Dental implants are the best way to replace a missing tooth because they help stimulate bone regeneration.
Traditional Dental Bridges and Dentures
Because they sit on top of the gum tissue and do not provide any stimulation to the jaw bone, these dental prostheses can contribute to bone loss. Overtime, the bone begins to shrink and the restoration will become ill-fitting and need to be adjusted or replaced. As the bone continues to resorb, changes in the facial structure will become more apparent.
How is bone loss treated?
A bone graft is the best option for treating bone loss. A bone graft will promote the growth of new bone in the area and allow for additional treatment that may not have been possible before, such as dental implants.
A bone graft is a procedure performed by an oral surgeon or periodontist and works to rebuild bone structure. A local anesthetic is administered to the affected area and a small incision is made in the gum tissue. The bone graft is placed, and the gum tissue is sutured back together! Over the course of a couple of months, the bone graft will integrate with the existing natural bone and provide the support your teeth need to help prevent further bone loss.
Practicing good oral hygiene greatly improves your chances of successful treatment. Patients at risk of gum disease may be advised to have professional cleanings more often than twice a year. If you notice any symptoms of gum disease or if you suffer from underlying medical conditions like osteoporosis, speak with your dentist to make sure your jaw bone remains healthy!