Tooth bone loss occurs due to many reasons. The most popular one is tooth extractions. When a tooth is missing, the bone is no longer used inside your mouth. It no longer indulges in activities it was designed for, such as biting and chewing. A scientific theory says humans used to have tails in ancient times. But as they were not in use, they started deteriorating with time. Just like this, the bone that held the missing tooth gets resorbed.
Symptoms of Bone Loss in Teeth
If one is unknowingly suffering from bone loss, the following are the indications:
- Loosening teeth
- Modifications in your biting pattern and facial anatomy
- Gum shrinking
- Pain or discomfort while chewing
- Lips thinning and sinking inward
- Heightened speech problems
- Newly appeared gaps in your teeth
- Constant bad breath
- Facial and jaw pain, accompanied by headaches.
Causes of Tooth Bone Loss
Bones are biologically active and vulnerable to damage. They are defenseless against diseases that hurt them. Tooth bone loss is when harm to the jawbone that supports the tooth occurs and impacts it negatively. Some other causes of such damage are:
- Tooth Extractions
The bone surrounding your teeth is supposed to be active and stimulated. When you get a tooth extraction and do not get it replaced in time. The part of the jaw bone previously supporting your tooth is no longer doing its job.
Such uselessness will cause it to resorb. This is also a reason why dentures or partials become loose with time. The tooth bone loss process triggers after 18 months of tooth extraction and lasts a lifetime. - Periodontal Disease
Periodontal diseases are continuous infections in the gums that slowly harm the bone around your teeth. Periodontal disease consists of two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Dental plaque is what triggers gingivitis in the first place. Plaque is a colorless, sticky, thin film that covers your teeth; it is made of bacteria that can irritate the gums.
If this irritation continues, this plaque hardens and turns into a solid substance called tar over and below the gum line. When gingivitis matures into periodontitis, the jawbone deteriorates, causing tooth loss. - Dental Trauma
When a tooth is yanked out completely due to a blow in the jaw, the bone will become inactive if there is no biting surface left on the gums. Some popular kinds of tooth or jaw injuries include tooth fractures due to biting on nuts, accidental falls, dead tooth nerves, etc. In this case, a bone grafting procedure can help boost bone growth in affected areas. - Misalignments
Misalignment can foster an atmosphere in your mouth where some teeth lose a parallel tooth structure. Such unopposed teeth can over-erupt and enable the supporting bone to deteriorate. Anything from TMJ issues to usual wear and tear and the absence of treatment that disrupts teeth’ capability to bite and grind food can cause tooth bone loss. - Dentures
Dentures of bridges just sit on your natural gum line without stimulating it directly. Unlike dental implants, they are not rooted into the jawbone. This is the reason why dentures keep coming loose and require a new set now and then over the years.
Treatment Options
The bone loss cannot be reversed. However, it can be stopped and treated at the right time. These are:
- Guided Bone Regeneration
- Bone Graft
- Replacing Missing Teeth with an Implant
Luckily, Doctor Michael K. McGuire and his team perform all these procedures seamlessly at their facility. Our doctor is a past chairman of the American Board of Periodontology and is capable and experienced enough to handle any periodontal surgery.
Final Word
In a nutshell, tooth bone loss can be prevented with daily brushing and flossing routine and regular visits to the dentist. For expert dental treatments, contact us at Perio Health. Dial (346) 509-9060 to book an appointment.
