The two most common reasons for bone loss in the jaw are tooth loss and gum disease. Chronic periodontitis (advanced gum disease) results in the formation of bacteria that gradually deteriorates the jawbone, as well as the ligaments that serve to connect the teeth to the bone.
If you are missing several teeth, you might also run the risk of bone loss. The health of the jawbone is maintained by the everyday stimulus of chewing food. If that stimulus is removed or greatly reduced – as is the case in people with multiple missing teeth – the jawbone is reabsorbed into the body. This can happen quite quickly. For example, people who have their teeth removed can lose as much as 25% of the jawbone in the first 12 months alone. From that point on, the bone loss continues.
In addition to gum disease and missing teeth, there are other reasons why a person might experience bone loss, including the following:
- Infection that damages the bone tissue
- Misaligned teeth
- Wearing dentures for extended periods of time
Treatment Options
Fortunately, there are some effective methods available for treating bone loss. Your dentist or oral surgeon can recommend which of these treatments is best for you.
- Bone grafting: A bone graft involves grafting new bone material onto the patient’s jawbone. The bone can be taken from another area of the patient’s body (commonly the hip), or may be donated. Artificial bone material can also be used.
- Guided tissue regeneration: Typically used for patients who have experienced bone loss due to bacteria from gum disease, this procedure involves the dentist placing a biocompatible fabric between the patient’s tooth and the existing bone. The material helps to allow the bone to grow back by preventing unwanted tissue from intruding into that area of the mouth.
- Proteins: Another effective method for treating bone loss is use of tissue-stimulating proteins that are applied to the disease tooth root(s) of the patient. These proteins help to encourage the growth of new bone tissue.
If you suffer from bone loss, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about effective treatments for this condition. While bone loss is serious, advancements in modern dental technology make it possible to effectively replace the bone tissue and allow the patient to live with a fully functional set of teeth – whether they are natural or artificial.
