What is Dental Bone Loss
Periodontal disease can occur in patients of any age as a result of poor oral hygiene, certain medications, or even genetics. Left untreated, periodontal disease can contribute to bone loss in the jaw at which point the bacteria and plaque has begun to eat away at the bone tissue.
Dental bone loss occurs when the bone that supports your teeth shrinks as a result of disease or infection and can lead to loose teeth, gaps between teeth, and even lost teeth. Bone loss in the jaw can affect patience of any age even those who have had healthy oral practices but bone loss is more common as we age.
How do I know if I am experiencing bone loss?
Signs that your jaw bone structure is shrinking may include gaps between the teeth, swollen or bleeding gums after brushing, bad breath, mobile teeth, and gum recession. Early signs of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, are swollen puffy gums and chronic bad breath. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible for a professional cleaning and evaluation of your teeth and gums. Left untreated, gingivitis can quickly turn into periodontitis which is a more advanced stage of gum disease and can lead to tooth loss.
What causes loss of jaw bone structure?
Periodontal disease is the most common cause of bone loss in the jaw along with tooth loss. When you lose one tooth and do not have it replaced, the underlying bone structure will begin to resorb and can cause teeth next to the missing tooth to become mobile. This can quickly lead to a domino effect of tooth loss as the bone shrinks.
Damage to the jaw can also result in bone loss such as an accident or other trauma. Another major factor that comes into play with periodontal disease and bone loss is smoking. Evidence shows that smoking not only increases the patient's susceptibility to gum disease and bone loss, it also increases the amount of damage done by gum disease. Once gum disease is diagnosed, smoking can also reduce the effectiveness of any treatment.
Other conditions that may cause bone loss in the jaw include poor nutrition and certain medical conditions or diseases such as osteoporosis.
Can teeth be saved when bone is lost?
Caught early, bone loss can be stopped with professional periodontal therapy and good home care. Bone structure that has been lost can be regenerated through bone grafting. A bone graft utilizes a donor bone or bone harvested from another area of the patient's mouth. Synthetic bone can also be used. The graft is placed in the affected area to help optimize bone support and keep your teeth in place.
If you have already lost a tooth, it is important to have the area treated. Best option to restore a missing tooth and prevent further bone loss is with a dental implant. Tooth roots help stimulate bone regeneration and a dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root. The implant will help stimulate bone growth in the area and prevent further deterioration.
Can you prevent bone loss?
As with most ailments, prevention is easier and less costly than treatment. Practicing good home care and proper oral hygiene accompanied by regular professional cleanings with your dentist is one of the best ways to make sure that your mouth stays healthy! Patients who are at a higher risk of developing gum disease can benefit from more frequent cleanings than the traditional two times a year.
If you need help with your oral hygiene, your dental hygienist can show you how to floss and brush properly to optimize your oral care!