What Causes Bone Loss
Bone loss is an unfortunate side effect of gum disease and tooth loss. When one tooth is lost, the underlying bone no longer has the stimulation of the tooth roots to help regenerate bone structure and therefore begins to resorb in the area and can lead to further tooth loss. Chewing is basically exercise for your jaw; when you work out, your muscle mass builds; chewing helps promote bone regeneration and when one tooth is missing, that area is no longer being stimulated.
The bacteria in plaque eats away at the underlying jawbone and the periodontal ligament that connects the teeth to the bone. 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. It only takes one year for bone to shrink by 25% when a tooth is lost or extracted.
Additional Causes Of Bone Loss
Gum disease is not the only reason the patient may experience bone loss. Other causes of bone loss include:
- Infection that damages the bone structure
- Medical conditions such as osteoporosis
- Misaligned teeth
- Wearing dentures for an extended period of time
Dentures can actually accelerate bone loss because the dentures sit on top of the gum tissue and bone structure and do not provide any stimulation to promote bone growth. As bone begins to resorb, the denture will become uncomfortable to wear and can rub sores on the gum tissue. This can cause a lot of pain when speaking and chewing.
What treatment is available for bone loss?
Treatment for bone loss involves a type of bone graft. 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 option that some doctors and patients may prefer to utilize.
The procedure for 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 bone graft is placed in the affected area and the gum tissue is sutured back up. During healing time, the graft will integrate with the natural bone and help provide bone structure and tooth support.
Can you prevent bone loss?
The best way to prevent bone loss in the first place is to practice good oral hygiene! Flossing at least once a day and brushing at least twice a day is vital not only to the health of your teeth, but also to the health of your gums and jaw bone.
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 route to help stimulate 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.