How Do You Fix Dental Bone Loss in Teeth?
Both bone loss and bone regeneration are just two of the amazing things that our bodies can do. Whether it is from a tooth extraction, an orthodontic adjustment, or common gum disease, your jawbone no longer receives the constant daily stimulation which then will lead to bone loss. It is essential to replace any missing teeth and to also practice good oral care to prevent bone loss.
How Does Bone Loss Happen with Teeth?
Our bones have a natural process called osseointegration, where the cells of the bone receive constant stimulation which coordinate the mineralization of the bone. The consistent stimulation your jawbone needs is generated from the pressures and stressors placed on your teeth when you bite down, chew, or talk.
This stimulation is called osteoblasts. With this stimulus, they continuously rebuild and strengthen the jawbone. When you lose a natural tooth and the roots, the stimulation pressures now stop, and your body now thinks that this bone is no longer needed. Osteoclasts, now the opposite, take over by breaking down the bone and resorbing it.
Common Symptoms of Bone Loss with Your Teeth
Bone loss in teeth is gradual and may be evident through the following symptoms:
- Your traditional dentures are becoming loose.
- You notice your teeth shifting.
- Your facial structure is beginning to sag.
- There are new wrinkles around your mouth.
- You notice some loose teeth.
- Your lips are sinking inward.
- You experience some discomfort while chewing.
The Common Causes of Bone Loss in Teeth
Tooth loss is a primary cause of bone resorption. Some other conditions accelerate the risk of bone resorption. These include:
- Periodontal disease: This gum infection will destroy both your jawbone and the periodontal ligaments that hold your teeth in place. As the infection progresses, the bacteria found in the plaque on your teeth will loosen the teeth and lead to tooth loss. In addition to the direct damage to the jawbone, tooth loss will also accelerate bone resorption in the affected area.
- Osteoporosis: Another reason for bone loss in the jaw is osteoporosis. This is a condition where the bones become brittle from aging and insufficient calcium intake. The impact is systemic and will affect the jawbone.
- Facial injury: Irritation with the facial bone structure from the trauma of an injury can result in changes to the natural activity of the bone cells.
Bone Loss Can Impact your Oral and Overall Health
In the initial stages of bone loss, the effects are hardly noticeable. As it increases you may lose your window of opportunity for a tooth replacement due to the lack of bone integrity to successfully support the dental implant (without the help of a bone graft). Your speech and proper nutrition can be affected over time.
Bone loss can significantly alter your appearance. Your facial structure can shrink, which produces more wrinkles, and your lips sink inwards. You will look older than your natural age.
Consider a Lifestyle Change
Research has proven that bone loss or resorption is a shared condition of both osteoporosis and periodontal disease. They share the same risk factors:
- Your genetics.
- Natural aging.
- A hormonal change.
- The habit of smoking.
- Vitamin D and Calcium deficiency.
Of these risk factors, you can directly control smoking and a vitamin deficiency. Avoid more bone loss by attempting to stop smoking and get the vitamins suggested for your age. We will continue to age, but we can make healthy choices along the way to delay its natural effects on our bodies.