Is Dental Bone Loss Serious?
Dental bone loss can be serious. It can also become more serious if never treated. Dental bone loss can damage the supporting structure of your mouth and jaw. Your gums are more prone to infection, and you’re more likely to loose teeth when experiencing bone loss.
What causes bone loss?
One of the main causes of dental bone loss is…dental bone loss. Specifically, your teeth. If you are living with missing teeth, and have not sought replacement options yet, you should begin immediately. When your jaw structure is compromised, through missing teeth, you leave a vulnerable gap. When you chew, speak, and eat, the ergonomic force of your bite is uncalibrated. The force of your chewing may fall on areas without support, like the exposed gums from your missing teeth. The uneven force may affect otherwise healthy teeth, causing them to become loose or move.
How do you combat bone loss?
Begin by consulting with your dentist about tooth replacement options. You can look into bridges, which attach to other healthy teeth. These will help cover the exposed areas of gum, and reinforce the spacing of the teeth. Dental bone loss can also take the form of jaw bone resorption, wherein the jaw shrinks and looses density.
You can also look into dental implants. Dental implants take the place of your original teeth, down to the jaw bone, thus strengthening your jaw like your original teeth. Dental implants begin with an implant anchor, which is inserted into your jaw through your gums. Over time this anchor becomes absorbed into the gum and bone structure of your mouth. This process stimulates blood and tissue growth to the area, which can help halt bone loss. Then a brand new Dental Implant crown is attached to the anchor root, and you have a new tooth. Dental implant materials are much stronger than tooth material, and they occupy the space of your lost tooth. This helps to prevent jaw pain, tooth loss, Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder, and it looks great too.
Dental Bone Loss is Serious
Tooth loss, bone loss, and gum disease are all very serious and very common. Just because you are experiencing any of these does not mean there is no choice to fix it. Bone loss can be fixed with proper care and hygiene. Begin by seeing your dental professional and asking for help.
They can give you a comprehensive examination to see the status of your teeth and gum health. They can take x rays to decide which replacement option is best for you. They can refer you to the right hygienist or Periodontal surgeon to help address what is ailing you. You are not alone, lots of people have replacement teeth and lead perfectly normal lives with them.
Take care of the problem before it becomes serious. Contact your dental team today and make an appointment. In the meantime, practice thorough and routine dental hygiene to care for your teeth. Brush, floss, use mouthwash, and smile.