What Causes Bone Loss?
It is common for bone loss to occur when a patient has periodontitis or is missing one or more of their permanent teeth. Bone loss associated with periodontitis occurs due to the bacteria which gradually destroys the jawbone and periodontal ligaments which attach the teeth.
Patients most commonly experience bone loss due to missing teeth which are not replaced. The jawbone is stimulated from the ongoing pressure associated with chewing. When the jawbone fails to be stimulated due to a missing tooth, the bone can slowly begin to deteriorate and resorb into the body. During the first year following the loss or extraction of a tooth, one quarter of the bone is lost. Over time, the bone loss will continue.
Bone loss occurs in the alveolar bone, this is the bone which surrounds and supports the teeth. The alveolar bone forms the ridges where the teeth are embedded.
Unfortunately, when missing teeth are replaced with traditional dentures, the jawbone is still not stimulated and can still result in bone loss or resorption.
When the upper jaw molars are removed, it can result in even more bone resorption because of the sinus cavity. Missing teeth in this specific location can allow for additional air pressure in the sinus cavity and resorption of the bone which lines the sinus cavity.
Additional causes for patients to experience bone loss can include the following:
- Infection
- Misaligned teeth which can impact a patient’s bite and fail to properly stimulate the bone
- Tumors of the face which may require removal the jawbone for treatment
Dentures can actually worsen bone loss because they can wear away at the ridges of bone where they are placed. Biting down and clenching the teeth places pressure on the ridges and results in resorption. This can create issues with achieving a proper fit, result in sore spots, and cause pain when chewing.
Treatment
When there is loss of the ridge bone, it brings the chin closer to the nose. This results in the jaw jutting out and the nose appearing to stick out further due to an upper lip which is puckered in. In addition, deep wrinkles can begin to appear near the mouth and cheeks which may result in sagging skin or jowls. The collapse of the face and side effects can give patients a much older appearance.
Prevention
In order to prevent bone loss, it is important to promptly replace missing teeth with a dental implant. In cases of a tooth extraction, dental implants can be placed following the procedure.
Dental implants or implant-supported bridges can stimulate the jawbone and provide patients with excellent function, similar to that of the natural teeth. Implant-secured dentures can also be an excellent tooth-replacement option and aid in preventing bone loss.
Bone Grafting
When the bone is already lost, the dentist may recommend a bone graft in order to support a dental implant. Bone grafting can also be used to repair damaged and lost bone which has occurred due to severe gum disease.
Bone grafts replace lost bone and stimulate the jawbone to regrow healthy bone. Various products can be used for a bone graft ranging from a manufactured product, animal product, or the patient’s own bone which is taken from another part of the body.