Is Dental Bone Loss Serious
The most common cause of bone loss is a missing tooth or several teeth which have not been replaced or restored. The roots of teeth are embedded in the jaw bone and provide necessary stimulation for bone growth and regeneration through speaking, biting, and chewing. When missing teeth are left untreated, the bone no longer receives this stimulation and begins to resorb. Within one year of a tooth extraction, 25% of bone mass is lost.
What causes bone loss in the jaw?
Tooth loss is the most common cause for deterioration in the jaw bone. Natural teeth help stimulate bone regeneration and when a tooth is lost or extracted but is not replaced, that portion 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 just like a natural tooth root.
Gum disease also has a detrimental impact on bone health. 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.
Some traditional forms of tooth replacements can contribute to bone loss. Dental bridges and traditional dentures sit on top of the gum tissue and do not provide any stimulation to the jawbone. Overtime, these restorations will become ill-fitting and will need to be replaced or adjusted. As the bone continues to resorb, changes in the facial structure will become more apparent.
Misaligned teeth can also contribute to bone loss in the jaw. When all of the teeth do not come together when eating, the entire jaw is not being worked so there may be a lack of stimulation in a couple of areas throughout the mouth that make those spots more susceptible to bone resorption. Other misalignment issues, including TMJ, erupting wisdom teeth, lack of treatment, and normal wear-and-tear can also result in the inability to perform natural activities such as chewing and biting properly.
How is bone loss treated?
Preventing bone loss is easier and less expensive than treating it. In the event that you do require treatment for bone loss, a bone graft is the best way to replace missing bone. A bone graft will also promote the growth of new bone in the area and allow the possibility for additional treatment that may not have been possible before, such as dental implants.
A bone graft is a procedure that an oral surgeon or periodontist will perform to restore bone in a particular area of the mouth. A local anesthetic is administered via injection and then 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 surrounding natural bone and provide the support your teeth need and help prevent further resorption.
Practicing good oral hygiene greatly improves your chances of successful treatment. It is important to brush twice a day, floss with proper technique at least once a day, and visit your dentist at least every 6 months. Patients at risk of gum disease may be advised to have professional dental cleanings more frequently. Your dentist will help determine the best preventative treatment for you.