Can Teeth with Bone Loss be Saved?

Patients are often curious to know if the teeth can be saved when there is bone loss. There are various things that can impact the answer to this question, but in many cases, the teeth can be saved. Things such as the presence of severity of gum disease, and how long a tooth has been missing can all determine the impact of bone loss.

There are certain treatments that can aid in slowing the progression of periodontal disease and ultimately preserve the teeth. In some cases of advanced gum disease, surgery may be necessary in order to restore the teeth and supporting bone structure.

Gum Disease

The most common cause of bone loss is periodontal or gum disease. When gum disease remains untreated, the jawbone is at risk for bone loss and the loss of teeth. In the early stage of gum disease, gums often bleed, are red or inflamed gums that frequently bleed. Allowing the condition to progress causes the gums to separate from the teeth and pockets to form. Bacteria grow in these spaces, destroying gum tissue and bone and eventually resulting in tooth loss.

Bone Loss Detection

The dental professional will likely complete various tests and examine the mouth to determine if patients have gum disease. If detected, they will also use methods to determine the severity of the issue. The dental team will evaluate your lifestyle habits and medical history to determine if you have any risk factors. This may include things such as certain medications, smoking, and your oral hygiene.

Below are the steps taken to evaluate if a patient has gum disease:

1. Complete an examination of the mouth. The dental professional will check for early signs of gum disease, including gums which are swollen, bleed easily and the buildup of plaque and tartar.

2. Use a dental probe to measure the space between the tooth and the gum line. In a healthy mouth, these pockets will be between 1 and 3 millimeters (mm) deep. When patients have periodontitis, the pockets have depths of 4 mm or more.

3. The team will also use dental X-rays to determine if there is bone loss present.

Based on the severity of the gum disease, it will be classified into a specific stage and grade by the dental professional. This will determine the best treatment method, the presence of any risk factors, and also determine the patient’s overall health.

Treatment

The dental professional or periodontist will work with you to determine how the issue should be treated. The goal of treatment is to ensure the periodontal pockets are cleaned to protect the bone. Treatment aims to ensure the teeth and jawbone are preserved without long-term consequences.

Nonsurgical Treatments

When the dental professional detects early stages of periodontitis, minimally invasive procedures can be used for treatment. This can include one or more of the following procedures:

Scaling and Root Planing

During scaling, bacteria are removed from the surfaces of the teeth and below the gums. Various instruments can be used, such as a laser or ultrasonic device. Root planing works by smoothing out the root surfaces of the teeth. This helps prevent additional buildup of tartar and harmful bacteria. The removal of bacterial byproducts helps prevent inflammation and promotes the healing of the gums, allowing them to reattach to the surface of the tooth.

Antibiotics

In cases where bacterial infection is present, topical or oral antibiotics are commonly used. The topical antibiotics may include things such as a mouth rinse or gel, which is applied to the gums following the deep cleaning. An oral antibiotic helps eliminate infection-causing bacteria and promote healing.

In advanced cases of gum disease, surgical procedures may be needed. The dental professional will help guide you on the best path forward based on your specific case. Call the office today to schedule an appointment. Our team can help ensure your gum disease is treated and restore your oral health as soon as possible. When gum disease is caught in the early stages, bone loss can be stopped, and the teeth can be preserved.

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