What Causes Bone Loss
The bone structure in the jaw is supported by the roots of our teeth as they help stimulate bone regeneration and bone growth, thereby preventing deterioration. Bone loss is often a side effect of gum disease and tooth loss. While gum disease is the number one cause of bone loss, it is certainly not the only contributing factor. Other causes of gum loss include crooked teeth, certain medical conditions such as osteoporosis, infection that damages the bone structure, and wearing a dental bridge or traditional dentures for an extended period of time.
Traditional dentures and dental bridges are a great way to restore missing teeth, however they do not support bone health and can actually contribute to bone deterioration. Without the stimulation from tooth roots or dental implants, the jawbone begins to resorb and causes changes in the fit of the denture and even the appearance of facial structures.
How does gum disease lead to bone loss?
Gum disease is the leading cause of bone loss in the jaw. When plaque and bacteria are allowed to sit in the gum pockets, they begin to eat away at the gum tissue, causing recession and eventually begin to eat away at the bone structure. This all leads to mobile teeth and eventually tooth loss which, left untreated, has a cyclical effect and eventually leads to further tooth loss and additional bone loss.
When a patient loses a tooth, it only takes one year for the bone in that area to shrink by 25%! This bone resorption can quickly lead to a domino effect of losing additional teeth. Chewing helps promote bone regeneration by applying pressure to the tooth roots but when a tooth is missing, that area is no longer being stimulated.
Since gum disease and tooth loss go hand in hand, it is important to practice good oral hygiene at home and to receive regular professional cleanings to keep everything in check.
Can bone loss be treated?
A bone graft can be placed in the affected area to help regenerate bone growth. The graft can come from another area of the patient's own mouth, such as the roof, a donor cadaver bone, or even bovine bone. Synthetic bone is another type that some doctors and patients may prefer to utilize.
A bone graft is pretty simple. Your doctor will administer a local anesthetic to the area being treated and cut a small incision in the gum tissue. The graft is placed in the affected area and the gum tissue is sutured back up. As you heal, the graft will integrate with the natural bone and help provide bone and tooth support.
In the event that you lose a tooth or a tooth has to be extracted, it is important to replace the tooth with a dental restoration such as a dental implant. An implant is the best option to replace a tooth and prevent further damage to the bone by providing an artificial tooth root to help stimulate and maintain bone regeneration.
Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant but a dental bridge can help provide up to 80% of normal bite force which will help prevent further bone loss in the area. If you notice symptoms of gum disease or if you lose a tooth, make sure to see your dentist as soon as you can to prevent further damage.