110 Is Dental Bone Loss Serious

Is Dental Bone Loss Serious

Bone loss is an unfortunate side effect of the aging process. The most common cause of bone loss is a missing tooth that has not been restored. This is a quick process; within one year of tooth loss, 25% of bone mass is lost. The roots of our teeth are embedded in the jaw bone and actually help encourage bone regeneration and prevent resorption, bone deterioration. When we speak and eat, our tooth roots provide necessary stimulation for bone growth.

Causes of Bone Loss in the Jaw
Tooth loss is the most common cause for jaw bone deterioration. Our natural teeth help stimulate bone regeneration so when a tooth is lost or extracted but is not replaced, that area 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, just like natural tooth roots, they help stimulate bone regeneration and growth.

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.

Traditional dental bridges and dentures can contribute to bone loss because they sit on top of the gum tissue and do not provide any stimulation to the jaw bone. Overtime, the bone begins to shrink and 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.

Crooked teeth can also contribute to bone loss in the jaw! When a patient has a bad bite, 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. Orthodontic treatment can properly align the teeth and correct a bad bite for continued bone health.

Bone Loss Treatment
The best option available for treating bone loss is a bone graft. 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 performed by an oral surgeon or period honest and works to restore bone structure in one area of the mouth. A local anesthetic is administered and 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. Patients at risk of gum disease may be advised to have professional cleanings more often than twice a year.