.jpg)
Los Algodones
Jaw bone loss and its consequences are not something people think about often. Many assume it only occurs with advanced age, but there are other causes of bone loss that are not exactly related to the aging process.
Some bone loss symptoms you should be aware of include swollen, bleeding or purplish gums, pain when chewing, and even noticeable changes in your facial appearance.
In this article, we’ll delve deeper into what causes bone loss in teeth, so keep on reading to learn more about the different factors that contribute to this big issue and the effects on your dental and overall health.
What Causes Bone Loss?
Periodontitis
According to the Cleveland Clinic (2024), periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease. It happens when bacteria infect the soft tissues surrounding the teeth, causing inflammation.
When left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and, eventually, dental bone loss.
This condition is uncommon in people under 30, but the risk increases with age. However, while age is a contributing factor, the primary cause of periodontitis is poor oral hygiene. When teeth are not properly cared for, bacteria accumulate in plaque and tartar on the tooth surface. Over time, these bacteria can travel beneath the gum line, where toothbrushes and floss cannot reach.
As bacteria erode the supportive tissues around the teeth, infection develops, causing bone loss and eventual tooth loss.
Other risk factors for periodontal disease include:
-
Smoking.
-
Diabetes.
-
Genetics.
-
Hormonal changes.
-
Health conditions that cause inflammation.
If you think you might have periodontal disease, some symptoms to watch out for are:
-
Reddish or purplish gums.
-
Swollen Gums.
-
Bleeding Gums.
-
Bad breath.
-
Pus around the gum line.
-
Gum Recession.
-
Pain when chewing.
Missing Teeth
Although losing teeth is an issue commonly related to older people, it can affect anyone in any age group.
When you bite and chew, the forces created are transmitted from the tooth root to the surrounding jawbone, stimulating it and keeping it healthy. When a tooth is missing, this stimulation is lost, bone cells are no longer renewed, and bone resorption begins.
Bone loss after tooth extraction is inevitable and can alter facial appearance over time. As bone deteriorates, the lips and cheeks may collapse inward due to reduced support of facial muscles.
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is essential to help prevent dental bone loss caused by a lack of stimulation.
Get #ThatSaniSmile Now!
Take the first step towards your dream smile by filling out the form now. Your journey to a brighter, and more confident smile starts here.
Fill out form
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by low bone mass and density, and deterioration of tissue, resulting in the increased risk of suffering a fracture.
Studies show that people with osteoporosis have a higher risk of tooth loss due to insufficient bone density in the jaw.
Although osteoporosis is more common in older adults, it can affect individuals of any age.
Before and After in Bone Loss
The image below illustrate the progression of bone loss in patients with periodontal disease (Source: NCBI). Key differences include:
Healthy teeth
-
No inflammation or damage to the fibers.
-
Periodontal probe goes only a shallow depth.
-
Bone level is high and fully supports the tooth.
-
Fibers securely hold the tooth to the bone.
Severe periodontitis
-
Roots are exposed due to gum and bone loss.
-
Deep periodontal pockets around the tooth.
-
Significant loss of attachment (fibers and support structures damaged).
-
Bone level is severely reduced.
Figure: Progression of periodontal disease showing healthy gums, mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis.
Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
Preventing Bone Loss in Teeth
Maintaining Good Oral Health
The best way to prevent bone loss in teeth is by maintaining excellent oral hygiene, following a balanced diet rich in calcium, avoiding smoking, and attending regular dental check-ups.
While some factors, such as genetics, are beyond your control, following these recommendations can significantly reduce your risk of bone loss and help preserve strong, healthy teeth.
Bone Loss and Dental Implants
As mentioned earlier, missing teeth are a major contributor to bone loss. Replacing missing teeth helps restore functionality, prevents surrounding teeth from shifting, and reduces bone loss caused by lack of stimulation.
Dental implants are considered the most effective option for treating dental bone loss. They function like natural tooth roots by providing the stimulation your jawbone needs to remain healthy.
If sufficient jawbone is present, a titanium or zirconia post is surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth root once was. Through a process called osseointegration, bone cells grow around the implant, creating a stable foundation and preventing further bone loss.
Once healing is complete, a permanent crown is placed on top of the implant, restoring both function and a natural appearance.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is just as important with dental implants, as it helps prevent peri-implantitis and protects the surrounding bone.
Can Bone Loss be Reverted?
Unfortunately, bone loss in teeth cannot be naturally reversed. It can only be slowed, stopped, or prevented.
When a patient has experienced significant bone loss and lacks sufficient bone to support dental implants, a bone graft may be recommended.
A bone graft involves making an incision at the graft site and placing grafting material, either from the patient’s own body, a natural donor source, or a synthetic material, into the area. The gum tissue is then closed to allow healing.
Healing time typically ranges from three to nine months, depending on the graft location and the patient’s individual healing capacity.
Prevent Bone Loss and Regain Your Smile
Do you have a tooth or teeth that need to be replaced? Let us take care of it!
At Sani Dental Group, we offer world-class expertise, advanced technology, and unmatched prices. We have multiple dental implants options available for partial or full-mouth restoration.
You can also prevent bone loss through professional dental cleanings or treatments such as scaling and root planing. These procedures help prevent gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, by removing plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line, where bacteria can lead to tooth and bone loss over time.
Contact us today to book your appointment and discover how you can get the Unique smile you deserve in Mexico at a fraction of the U.S. cost!
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2024, December 19). Periodontitis. Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16620-periodontitis
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Progression of periodontal disease: healthy gums to severe periodontitis.
Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK578294/figure/ch5.fig2/
