Best Treatment for Dental Bone Loss

Our bodies are pretty amazing. A healthy mouth with strong teeth and bones is critical to maintaining good oral health. Unfortunately, there are various things that can cause bone loss. Common causes include the loss of a tooth, gum disease, and other things such as orthodontic treatments.

Following the loss of a tooth, the jawbones no longer receive stimulation from chewing. This results in bone loss or resorption. Below is a summary of what occurs with bone resorption and how to prevent or stop bone loss in order to preserve the teeth.

Bone Loss and Resorption

In order to maintain the teeth and supporting bone structure, the bones depend on stimulation received through chewing, biting, and even speaking. During this stimulation, the jawbone maintains its strength and is rebuilt. When patients lose a tooth, this critical stimulation no longer occurs, and the body does not maintain the bone structure required to support the tooth. The bone will then start to break down, and the body will recycle and absorb the bone tissue.

Symptoms of Bone Loss

Bone loss in the mouth typically happens slowly over time. Below is a summary of common symptoms associated with bone loss:

Dentures no longer fit in the mouth properly
Loose teeth or movement
A collapsed or sunken face and lips
Severe mouth wrinkles
Chewing discomfort

Gum Disease

Gum disease is another common cause of bone loss. The harmful bacteria associated with severe gum disease can destroy the jawbone and tissues that secure the teeth in place. When gum disease remains untreated over long periods of time, it creates deep periodontal pockets, which result in loose teeth and even tooth loss.

Another consequence of bone loss is the impact it can have on the patient’s facial appearance. The facial muscles and skin begin to shrink and can cave in. This can make the person look older and less attractive.

Prevention

While it is normal to experience some bone loss during the natural aging process, severe bone loss from various causes can often be prevented. The following are ways to preserve the teeth and prevent additional bone loss in the mouth.

Replacement of Missing Teeth

Immediately following the loss of a tooth, the body receives messages that the bones are no longer needed. As a result of this, it is critical to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible. A dental implant is an excellent restoration that closely mimics the stimulation received by the natural tooth and preserves the bone. The dental implant uses a titanium post as the base, which is surgically placed in the jawbone. This promotes the preservation of existing bone and can even promote the growth of new bone tissue.

Risk Factors

Below is a summary of risk factors that increase the likelihood of bone loss for patients:

Natural aging process
Genetic predisposition
Hormonal changes such as pregnancy
Smoking or use of tobacco
Poor diet and vitamin D or calcium deficiency
Gum disease and poor oral hygiene

While some risk factors are out of our control, other risk factors are lifestyle choices and can be prevented. Making healthy choices and practicing good oral hygiene are the best ways to prevent bone loss and other oral health issues.

Call the office today if you are concerned about the health of your teeth or concerned that you may be experiencing bone loss. Our team can complete a thorough examination to determine the cause and ensure the issue is stopped before there are serious consequences. We look forward to working with you to help you maintain your beautiful smile.