Is Dental Bone Loss Serious?
While numerous types of oral issues can result in bone loss, the issue is most commonly caused by missing teeth. When the natural teeth are in place, they stimulate the jawbone. This occurs through regular use such as with chewing and biting. Missing teeth which are not replaced fail to stimulate the jawbone and can easily result in resorption of the bone over time. Within the first year following the loss of a tooth which is not replaced, an estimated 25% of the bone is lost.
Tooth Extraction
Natural teeth preserve and stimulate the growth of bone with routine activities. When teeth fall out or are extracted and not replaced, the jawbone is no longer stimulated. The bone slowly begins to deteriorate and resorb over time.
Gum Disease
Gum disease damages the soft tissue in the gums and eventually will destroy the bone that support the teeth. The earliest form of gum disease is called gingivitis. In most cases, it can be prevented through good oral hygiene at home which includes twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and regular visits to the dentist. Gingivitis which remains untreated will eventually progress into periodontitis. This is the more serious form of gum disease and can cause deterioration of gum tissue and bone. This bone loss can cause loose teeth or result in the teeth falling out.
Trauma or Accidents
Teeth which fall out due to an accident or trauma also fail to stimulate the jawbone and can result in bone loss. It is quite common for patients to experience trauma to the mouth or teeth due to a sports injury. Some of the most common spots injuries include jaw fractures, knocked out teeth, and fractured teeth.
Misalignment
When the teeth are not properly aligned, they may not provide direct stimulation. This is due to the limited opposing tooth structure. There are other types of misalignment issues which may include TMJ, wisdom teeth, various issues, and normal wear-and-tear which can limit the patient’s ability to perform routine activities. Over time, misalignment can result in bone loss.
Bridges and Dentures
Traditional dentures are placed on top of the gums and unfortunately fail to stimulate to the jawbone, resulting in bone deterioration and resorption. As the bone structure changes as a result of this, patients find it increasingly difficult to eat and speak clearly. Another consequence of the changing bone structure can be a change in the appearance of the patient.
Bone loss can also result in the dentures becoming loose. Sometimes the loss of bone is so significant that the dentures no longer fit properly. In this case, the patient will need to obtain a new set of dentures. Another tooth-replacement solution is bridge supported dentures. Unfortunately, the jawbone is still not stimulated and it commonly results in bone loss. Bridgework depends on the adjacent teeth to support the appliance. Bridges often require that the adjacent teeth are filed down so that the dental appliance can be properly attached.
Bone loss can be caused by numerous different issues. Patients should schedule an appointment with their dentist to determine the cause and create a treatment plan. Treating the issue can aid in preventing further deterioration and long-term problems.