An essential part of maintaining a healthy body is the production of new bone throughout your life. Every ten years, all the old bone in our body has been resorbed or removed and replaced with new bone. However, the bone can resorb or dissolve faster than new bone replaces it. This leads to permanent bone loss and several undesirable consequences. Learn more about bone loss in jaw causes, symptoms and treatment options, and schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry today!
Causes of Bone Loss in the Jaw
Healthy bone in the upper and lower jaws provides support to teeth and facial muscles. The causes of losing this bone include:
· Tooth Extraction – Your natural teeth provide constant stimulation for the production of new bone. After a tooth extraction, your jaw responds as though it no longer needs new bone formation, and bone begins resorbing. This bone loss starts very soon after the extraction.
· Gum Disease – Dental plaque, when not removed from your teeth, causes inflammation of the gums. This inflammation can progress into a gum infection called periodontitis that causes deterioration of the bone supporting your teeth.
· Misaligned Teeth – Crooked and poorly positioned teeth can leave some teeth with no opposing tooth contact when biting. This leads to insufficient stimulation of the jaw for new bone formation. Misaligned teeth can also create bone loss through creating oral hygiene problems that result in periodontitis.
· Dentures and Bridges – Wearing dentures not supported by implants can cause a rapid loss of bone due to no stimulation from the roots of natural teeth. This also occurs under the artificial tooth or teeth attached to bridgework.
· Trauma – Fractured or knocked out teeth can cause insufficient bone stimulation in an area of the jaw that leads to bone loss.
Signs & Symptoms of Jaw Bone Loss
You may have the initial stages of bone loss in the jaw without noticing it. This is a reason to have regular dental checkups with x-rays. As more bone loss occurs, it can cause symptoms, such as:
· Red, swollen gums
· Pain when chewing
· Loose teeth
· Change in how teeth bite together
· Wrinkles around the mouth
· Lips sink inward
· Loose dentures
· Speech difficulties
Treatment Options
Treatment for loss of bone in the jaw depends mainly on the cause and your overall dental condition and needs. Minimal bone loss from the beginning stages of periodontitis may require conservative periodontal treatment such as deep scaling and minor periodontal surgery. This treatment does not cause new bone formation but can prevent further bone loss. The success of these treatments depends on maintaining excellent oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and professional cleanings.
Advanced bone loss can require treatments such as bone grafting. This is a common procedure before dental implant placement where inadequate bone exists to support the implant. Bone grafting as soon as possible after tooth removal preserves the most bone and may prevent the need for a future implant.
Other treatments for the various causes of bone loss include medications, hormone therapy, and sinus lift surgery. Your dentist will first identify the cause, then recommend the best treatment for your condition.
Preventing Bone Loss
Most bone loss in the jaw is preventable by taking steps such as:
· Proper oral hygiene, including brushing twice and flossing at least once daily.
· Keeping your regular dental checkup and cleaning appointments.
· Replacing missing teeth as soon as possible after extraction.
· Taking advantage of implants for dentures and bridges when possible.
Schedule Appointment
At Trident General Dentistry, we understand the importance of healthy bone in you. Call us today for more information on how we can help you maintain your natural teeth and a beautiful smile.