Is Dental Bone Loss Serious?
There are various issues which can cause bone loss, however, missing teeth are the most common cause. Healthy natural teeth stimulate the jawbone with daily biting and chewing. When missing teeth are not replaced, it results in a lack of stimulation for the bone and can cause resorption. A missing tooth which is not replaced will result in about 25% of the bone lost in the first year.
This article will review the most common causes for the loss and deterioration of the jawbone.
Extracted Teeth
The natural teeth aid in stimulating the preservation and growth of bone through daily activities such as chewing and biting. Teeth which are extracted and not promptly replaced fail to stimulate the jawbone. Over time, the bone will begin to deteriorate and resorb.
Gum Disease
Gum disease which can include gingivitis and periodontitis causes damage to the soft tissue. This ultimately destroys the bone which provides support to the teeth. Gingivitis is the early form of gum disease and can often be prevented through the practice of good oral hygiene. When gingivitis is not properly treated, it can progress into periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis causes deterioration of the gum tissue and bone which secures the teeth in place. The bone loss can result in the teeth becoming loose or falling out completely.
Bridges and Dentures
When traditional dentures are placed on top of the gums, they fail to provide stimulation to the jawbone. This lack of stimulation over time can result in bone resorption and deterioration. This change in the bone structure can make it increasingly difficult for patients to properly speak and eat. The loss of bone can also cause the dentures to become loose. In some cases, the bone loss can be so significant that the dentures no longer fit and a new set of dentures is required. Bridge supported dentures also fail to properly stimulate the jawbone in most cases and result in bone loss. Bridgework often relies on the adjacent teeth which often must be filed down in order to properly attach the dental appliance.
Trauma or Accidents
Teeth which are accidentally knocked out or experience trauma from an injury are no longer able to stimulate the bone through chewing and biting. This can result in the loss of bone in the jaw. Trauma to the teeth and mouth is most common with a sports injury. This may include a jaw fracture, teeth which are knocked out, and chipped or cracked teeth.
Misalignment
Teeth which are not properly aligned can fail to provide direct stimulation due to the lack of the opposing tooth structure. Other types of misalignment issues such as TMJ, the eruption of wisdom teeth, untreated issues, and normal wear-and-tear can inhibit a patient’s ability to perform routine activities. Bone loss can occur from the lack of stimulation over time.
Treatment
While bone loss can occur for various reasons, it is important to follow up with a dentist to determine the specific cause and develop a treatment plan to prevent further deterioration (which may include the placement of dental implants). It is critical for all patients to practice good oral hygiene. This includes twice daily brushing of the teeth, daily flossing, and regular visits to the dentist for an examination and professional cleaning.