As patients get older, there is a risk that the jawbone can start deteriorating. While this is a concerning development, there are restorative options you can talk through with your dentist. Here’s a guide to what you should know about bone resorption and how to improve the situation. 

A Guide to Bone Resorption

What Is Jawbone Loss?

As your teeth make contact with the food you chew, your jawbone is stimulated by the force traveling through your teeth. This sends a message to the roots, conveying to your jawbone that it’s still needed.

If you lose a tooth and don’t have it replaced, those messages are no longer sent. Without the constant stimulus, the body responds by signaling a biological process to begin eroding the jawbone.

What Happens as the Bone Breaks Down?

When the jawbone deteriorates, it can lead to changes in facial shape. The lips and cheeks may seem out of position and sunken in. Empty tooth sockets also promote bacteria and germs that can lead to gum disease. These sockets can become infected, which will affect the rest of your oral health.

Additionally, the jawbone plays an important role in holding dentures in place. Without parts of the jawbone, it may be tougher for your dentist to create a denture mold that fits comfortably. Dental implants are also harder to insert because there is less base to support them.

What Can You Do About It?

If a tooth has recently been removed or has fallen out, prevent jawbone loss by having a dental implant inserted. The presence of the replacement tooth will send signals to your jawbone, staving off any erosion.

If too much time has elapsed since the tooth loss and deterioration has already begun, it may make sense to undergo a bone graft. This process entails annexing new bone with the deteriorating jaw bone, so some of the mass is replaced, and the area regains definition and strength. 

 

If you suspect you’re starting to experience jawbone loss, contact the respected dental office of Larry G. Hubbard, DDS, in Statesboro, GA. Dr. Hubbard has been in business since 1978. He and his team offer everything from dental implants to denture correction, and these professionals are members of the American Dental Association (ADA). To make an appointment, call (912) 764-9891. Learn more about this dentist’s office online.