Our body naturally regenerates bone when there is bone resorption or loss. There can be a lack of stimulation to the bone when teeth are extracted, during orthodontic adjustments, or when a patient has gum disease. Unfortunately, this lack of stimulation can cause permanent bone loss. In order to prevent bone loss, patients should have good oral hygiene practices. It is also important to replace missing teeth right away to avoid bone loss. This article will summarize the causes of bone loss and common treatment options.
To maintain the structure of the jawbone, it relies on continuous stimulation. Stimulation to the bone occurs through regular activities that put pressure on the bone. This can include biting down, chewing, and speaking. When there is no pressure, the jawbone is not stimulated and there can be bone loss.
Bone loss does not take overnight and rather is a slow process which occurs over an extended period of time. The following are common symptoms of bone loss:
* Dentures which no longer fit
* Sunken or collapsed facial structure
* Teeth shifting or misalignment
* Pain when chewing
* Loose or wiggly teeth
* Wrinkles and loose skin near the mouth
When missing teeth are not replaced in a timely manner, it often results in bone resorption. The following conditions increase a patients risk for experiencing bone resorption:
1. Accident or Injury: An injury or accident can hinder the body’s ability to rebuild bones that are weak or damaged.
2. Gum Disease: Periodontitis or gum disease gives bacteria the chance to destroy the jawbone and periodontal ligaments. With the progression of the disease, bacteria may progress into periodontal pockets. This can cause tooth loss which often causes bone resorption or shrinkage.
3. Osteoporosis: Patients with osteoporosis are at an increased risk for bone loss. With osteoporosis, the bones can become brittle and are more easily damaged.
In the early stages, it can be difficult to identify when a patient is experiencing bone resorption. Resorption which remains unnoticed can ultimately cause the loss of bone. In some cases, bone loss can prevent a patient from being considered a dental implant candidate. In order to support an implant, the patient must have sufficient bone mass. The dentist may be able to use bone grafts to replace the missing bone needed to support an implant. If a patient is missing teeth, it is often challenging to properly chew, bite, and speak.
Unfortunately, bone loss can also change the appearance of the patient’s face and make it less attractive. It is possible for the muscles and skin of the face to shrink when there is bone loss. When this occurs, face can appear sunken in and there can be additional wrinkles. This makes patients appear significantly older. Bone loss is also part of the natural aging process. When there is a loss of bone due to missing teeth, an injury, or disease, there can be premature bone resorption. Bone loss can cause serious, long-term issues.
Teeth which fall out or are remove notify the body that the supporting bones are not necessary. When this is combined with failure to stimulate the jawbone, there is bone resorption. The only tooth-replacement solution which successfully mimics the root of the natural tooth is a dental implant. The base of the implant is a titanium post which is surgically placed in the jawbone. This post acts as the root of the prosthetic tooth, stimulates the jawbone, and provides an incredibly secure base.
Bone loss is a serious issue which can cause permanent damage. Patients with potential bone loss should follow up with their dentist right away for evaluation and to discuss treatment options.