Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: four minutes.
Losing a tooth is more than just an aesthetic problem. It can significantly impact your oral health and overall well-being. One of the most concerning consequences of tooth loss is bone loss.
In this blog, Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA, explains how bone loss occurs after tooth loss and whether it’s possible to restore it.
Table of Contents
- Factors Contributing to Bone Loss
- How to Prevent Bone Loss
- Clearwater Dentistry: Dental Implants in Greeley, CO
Key Takeaway
Bone loss can occur due to tooth loss or gum disease, leading to facial changes and oral health issues. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is important to prevent bone loss, maintain facial structure, and restore oral function.
Factors Contributing to Bone Loss
When a tooth is removed, a few things happen to the bone where the tooth used to be. Right after removal, a blood clot forms in the empty spot to protect the area and help it heal.
The alveolar bone that held the tooth in place starts to break down quickly because it no longer has a tooth to support. The bone becomes smaller and thinner over time.
Without a tooth or an implant to keep it strong, the bone continues to shrink and the shape of your face may change. The decrease in bone density will also affect the stability of nearby teeth and may cause them to shift.
While tooth loss is a significant contributor to dental bone loss, other factors can also lead to degradation of the jaw bone:
- Periodontal disease: Gum disease can lead to the destruction of supportive structures around your teeth, including the bone and gum tissue.
- Gum recession: As gums pull away from teeth, it exposes the root, leading to further attachment loss and bone loss.
- Poor oral hygiene: Neglecting dental cleanings can result in bacterial infections that contribute to bone resorption.
- Diet and lifestyle choices: A diet deficient in essential nutrients can impede bone health, while smoking, chewing tobacco or nicotine pouch use, and excessive alcohol consumption can serve as risk factors for gum disease and subsequent bone loss.
How to Prevent Bone Loss
After a tooth is removed, the best course of action would be to get a dental implant. But if you are unable to get one right away, your dentist may recommend a procedure called socket preservation.
A dental bone graft is inserted into the tooth socket after the tooth is extracted. The graft keeps the socket from shrinking and provides support for a future implant.
Dental implants are a fantastic option for restoring missing teeth and preventing further bone loss. An implant acts as a replacement tooth root and is surgically placed into the jaw bone. This stimulates the bone, encouraging bone growth and maintaining bone density in the area.
Here’s why dental implants are important:
- Facilitate bone stimulation: By mimicking the natural tooth root, they help maintain bone mass and promote oral health.
- Preserve facial structure: Implants help keep the facial muscles intact, preventing the sunken appearance that often accompanies tooth loss.
- Improve functionality: They provide a permanent solution that can withstand normal chewing forces without compromising surrounding teeth.
For more information on dental implant procedure, read Dental Implant Procedure Step-by-Step
Clearwater Dentistry: Dental Implants in Greeley, CO
With advancements in dental care, such as bone grafting and dental implants, you can restore bone loss.
Our experienced dentist, Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA, offers comprehensive dental services to help you achieve optimal oral health.
If you are searching for ‘dental implants in Greeley, CO’ or a ‘dentist in Greeley, CO’, we can help. Call (970) 515-3550 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form. We look forward to seeing you at Clearwater Dentistry in Greeley, CO!
