How Do You Fix Dental Bone Loss in Teeth
Bone loss is a normal part of the aging process but bone loss in the jaw can happen to patients of any age due to periodontal disease and tooth loss. The jawbone relies on stimulation from our teeth to constantly regenerate. Stimulation is applied to the bone when we speak, bite, and chew.
How does bone loss occur in teeth?
Osteoblast cells in the jawbone continue to rebuild and strengthen with stimuli from our tooth roots all day long but when we lose a tooth, the stimulation in that particular area stops. This kind of tricks the body into thinking that the bone that is supporting the teeth is no longer needed so the bone begins to break down old bone cells to recycle them in other areas of the body.
A few symptoms that you may be experiencing bone loss include:
- Poorly fitting dentures
- Shifting teeth, as with orthodontia
- Changes in facial structure
- Wrinkles around the mouth area
- Loose teeth
- Lips sinking inward
- Discomfort when chewing
What can cause bone loss in teeth?
There are a number of conditions that cause bone loss in the jaw, the number one trigger being tooth loss. Other factors may include:
Gum Disease: The bacteria present in plaque eat away the jawbone and periodontal ligaments that hold the teeth in place. In advanced periodontal disease, the bacteria seated in the gum pockets can cause the gum tissue to recede and loosen the teeth, eventually leading to bone resorption and tooth loss.
Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions such as osteoporosis, can cause bone loss in the jaw.
Facial Trauma: Injury to the facial bone structure may result in changes to the activity of bone cells responsible for the breakdown and rebuilding of bones and can lead to bone loss in the jaw.
In its early stages, the effects of bone resorption may not be noticeable. As it progresses, patients may require a bone graft if they hope to have a chance for tooth replacement. Without teeth to chew and bite food, your nutrition and speech can be negatively affected.
Can you prevent bone loss in teeth?
Bone loss caused by tooth loss, injury, or disease is typically an early stage of bone resorption that can be prevented before it gets worse.
Treat Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums and the first stage of gum disease. At this stage, gum disease and any damage that has occured is still reversible. To prevent the progression of gum disease, your dentist may advise you to have a deep cleaning, called a scaling and root planing. This is a procedure where the root surfaces below the gumline are cleaned of all plaque and bacteria that cannot be reached with a regular professional cleaning and prevents the progression of gum disease.
Treat Missing Teeth
There are a few options for replacing missing teeth but dental implants are the only option that can mimic the stimulation of our natural tooth roots. A titanium, screw-like post is placed into the jaw bone to help the bone cells reattach themselves and rebuild your jawbone. An implant crown or denture is placed on the implant to complete your smile!
Bone grafting
For patients with significant bone loss, a procedure called bone grafting is a treatment that replaces bone to help the jaw regenerate new bone cells on its own. Bone grafting is usually done in anticipation of a dental implant, for patients with periodontal disease, and other medical conditions.
Good Oral Hygiene
Taking the time to practice proper oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and exams will greatly reduce your risk of gum disease and bone loss. Even if you are genetically predisposed to periodontal issues, your dentist can help you take the steps to prevent future bone loss.