What causes bone loss?
There are many reasons the bone in your jaw and teeth can deteriorate over time. Some of the most common causes include:
Periodontal disease
Bone loss in your tooth-supporting structures is a common symptom of periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease or periodontal disease. When you have gum disease, bacteria and plaque build-up on your gums, eating away at the underlying bone.
Tooth loss
Periodontitis can also lead to tooth loss, which causes bone resorption, meaning your body actually reabsorbs the bone in your jaw. Frequent tooth extractions also raise your chances of bone resorption.
Dentures and dental bridges
Any type of replacement teeth that sit on top of your gums can cause bone loss. Without tooth roots, the underlying alveolar bone that supports your teeth has no stimulation. Over time, your bone may resorb to the point that, for example, your dentures no longer fit properly.
What happens if I have bone loss?
Bone loss in your teeth and jaw can lead to a series of problems with your oral health and appearance.
Your teeth play a crucial role in maintaining your face shape. Without healthy bone in your jaw and teeth, your skin can sink and sag, making you look older than you are.
Other common problems that can occur when you have dental bone loss include:
- Difficulty chewing
- Tooth loss
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Swollen gums
If you have bone loss in your mouth, your gums may bleed more frequently, particularly if you have periodontitis.
What are the treatments for bone loss?
The best way to avoid bone loss is to prevent periodontal disease. If you’re showing early signs of gum disease, non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing can help prevent bone loss.
If you already have dental bone loss, bone graft surgery can help rebuild your tooth-supporting structures. During a bone graft, your periodontist takes a small piece of bone from another part of your mouth, or from an animal or cadaver source, and implants it in your jaw. Over time, this new bone regenerates to restore your jawbone.
Equipped with the latest technology, Santa Monica Bay Periodontics uses IntraSpin™ L-PRF™ to accelerate bone graft healing. This innovative treatment uses concentrated platelets in your blood to shorten your recovery period when added to bone grafting material.
Santa Monica Bay Periodontics also has a state-of-the-art Solea® laser system, which is FDA-cleared to treat and reshape bone tissue. Laser dentistry can help stimulate new collagen, connective tissues, and bone growth for healthier tooth-supporting structures.
After a complete evaluation of your oral health, Santa Monica Bay Periodontics can determine the right bone loss treatment for you. Call the office or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
