Why does missing teeth lead to dental bone loss?
The loss of teeth, whether one or several, can cause multiple problems for the jaw as a whole.
Not only does it cause tooth movement of the remaining teeth, but it also affects the person’s occlusion, leading to wear and tear, bruxism and other pathologies.
But one of the parts of the tooth that is affected when a tooth is missing is the alveolar bone.
We explain what causes this loss of dental bone and what are the treatments to remedy it.
What is alveolar bone?
We call alveolar bone the bony mass in which the root of the tooth is integrated.
Each tooth fits into a small hollow called an alveolus and the interior of the bone is composed of small perforations that contain the blood vessels.
It has one main difference with respect to the rest of the bone structure of the human body: the ability to change.
Dental bone is able to renew and heal itself by natural mechanisms.
Its function is primordial, since it is responsible for maintaining the teeth in the jaw and for responding to the pressure they exert when chewing.
But when a person loses one or more teeth or suffers from periodontal disease, the alveolar bone begins to be reabsorbed.
During the first 3 years, it can lose up to 60% of its height and thickness.
Internal part of a tooth
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ALVEOLAR BONE
But what are the causes of this bone resorption?
Causes of dental bone loss
Bone loss is usually difficult to identify in its initial stage.
Hence the importance of visiting a dental clinic so that a professional can identify the problem as quickly as possible.
By means of a panoramic X-ray, the dentist is able to determine whether the patient has indeed suffered dental bone loss and at what stage it has progressed.
It is essential that each person tries to know the causes that lead to the lack of bone surface and be able to act quickly:
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Tooth loss or extraction
When there is a missing tooth that has not been replaced by a dental implant, the alveolar bone stops receiving stimulation from chewing.
This is when it begins to be reabsorbed, also affecting the adjacent teeth, since the natural tendency of the teeth is to seek contact with each other.
Periodontitis or pyorrhea
Due to insufficient oral hygiene, periodontal diseases proliferate: gingivitis and periodontitis.
It is then when the bacteria present in the plaque reach the subgingival area -below the gum-.
The solidified tartar causes deterioration of the alveolar bone and leads to its gradual loss.
In addition, this reduction of bone mass endangers the support of the teeth, so that if they are not treated in time, they may end up falling out.
It is advisable to visit a dentist so that an expert in Periodontics can examine each case.
Trauma
Receiving a strong blow to a tooth stops the stimulation transmitted to the bone due to the impact itself.
If you do not act accordingly, the loss of dental bone begins.
Osteoporosis
People suffering from osteoporosis are more prone to bone resorption.
This is because they suffer from an imbalance in the balance between calcium and phosphorus, causing a decrease in bone density throughout the body.
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Diabetes
Similarly, patients with type 2 diabetes tend to have more problems related to periodontal disease.
As a result, they are more likely to suffer from dental bone loss.
Dentures
A denture that is not anchored to the jawbone does not provide any stimulus to the underlying alveolar bone.
This is why, as time goes by, it resorbs to the point of producing a loosening of the denture.
People who have this type of dental prosthesis have problems when eating or speaking.
Consequences of maxillary bone loss
When bone loss occurs, there are various consequences, both morphological, functional and esthetic.
The following are some of them:
Retraction of the lips.
As a result of the reduction of the maxillary bone, the lips tend to retract.
This movement produces a change in facial aesthetics typical of aging.
Lack of teeth causes bone resorption.
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LOSS OF DENTAL BONE
Expression wrinkles on the upper lip
The sequel we have just described also brings with it the appearance of wrinkles on the lip.
Loosening of teeth
As we mentioned earlier, when there is a loss of dental bone, the teeth no longer have their main support and become loose, running the risk of falling out.
Modification of occlusion
With bone reduction, teeth tilt, rotate and move in general.
This is why it is common to feel that our bite has changed and that the teeth do not occlude properly.
How do you fix bone loss?
Once we know why dental bone loss occurs and its consequences, it is time to talk about solutions.
There are two main treatments to reverse the lack of alveolar bone.
Bone grafting
This procedure allows artificial bone to be added to the affected area through two methods:
Emdogain
It is a compound that stimulates bone regeneration from the person’s own cells.
It is used in natural teeth and not in implantology patients.
Bio-oss
The second option is suitable for people who need a bone graft to place an implant.
If you are missing a tooth, you can opt for a dental implant. It is a very durable and effective long-term solution.
Sinus lift
Sinus lift is a surgical technique that increases the amount of bone in the upper jaw for the subsequent placement of dental implants.
Below is a video showing the procedure used:
Maxillary sinus lift
This intervention is performed when the bone height is insufficient for the implant screw to be properly fastened.
It is important that sinus elevation is carried out by specialized professionals to avoid sequelae resulting from malpractice, such as the appearance of maxillary sinusitis.
Dental bone loss is a direct consequence of missing teeth.
Learn how to prevent bone loss
As the doctors at our dental clinic often say, the best treatment for dental bone loss and other problems is prevention.
Only by preventing bone resorption from occurring will there be no serious consequences for oral health.
Therefore, here are some recommendations that will help you stop the effects of dental bone loss:
- Maintain a good dental hygiene routine to eliminate bacteria from the oral cavity.
- In addition to brushing, it is advisable to use dental floss and mouthwash regularly to clean food debris.
- Keep in mind that a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle stimulate your immune system.
- Thus, your body will be able to fight bacteria and other external aggressions.
- In cases of tooth extractions, the most effective solution is the immediate replacement of the tooth through implants.
- It is a simple and painless procedure for the patient with multiple benefits, since it replaces the dental root and avoids bone resorption.
- If you think you have lost maxillary bone or you are missing a dental piece, don’t let it pass you by and look for a solution.
Ask for your first free consultation and our team of periodontists and implantologists will carry out a complete study.
In addition, they will recommend a treatment to solve the problem quickly and effectively.
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