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Your bones, just like other parts of your body, are made up of living cells that constantly change. Bone resorption is part of a complex biological process that can result in shrinkage or loss of bone. In your mouth, your jawbone is most commonly affected by this phenomenon, and factors like tooth loss may contribute to bone deterioration.
By understanding jawbone loss and how it occurs, you can work with your dentist or periodontist to treat this process if it affects your mouth.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine explains that although bones appear to be solid, at any given moment, parts of the bone are growing and other parts are resorbing (or breaking down) on a cellular level. Bone cells include osteoblasts, which build up bone, and osteoclasts, which break down bone. They work simultaneously to maintain bone throughout your body in a process called bone remodeling.
Bones are strengthened by physical stimulus. For your jawbone, that includes the force exerted on your jaws by chewing and biting and the way those forces travel through your teeth. When a tooth is missing, the bone loses its stimulus in that spot and your body begins signaling osteoclasts to break down the jawbone. New bone is still being formed, according to Frontiers in Physiology, but at a lower rate than bone is being destroyed.
Therefore, tooth extraction is commonly associated with jawbone loss, according to a study in the Indian Journal of Dentistry. In fact, up to 25 percent of the bone may be lost in the first year after a tooth extraction. The study reports that wearing dentures may increase the rate at which the bone deteriorates. If the bone continues to shrink, a patient's dentures may become loose and require refitting.
Beyond tooth extraction, certain dental and medical conditions may lead to bone resorption in the mouth. Bone loss is a common symptom of periodontitis, or gum disease, concludes a study in the International Journal of Oral Science. Osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones weak and brittle, can also affect the jawbone, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Additionally, a study published in Medicine found that during orthodontic treatment, patients experienced a loss in bone density around the teeth that moved. Fortunately, the bone may recover back to its original strength in the months after treatment.
Jawbone loss can lead to dental problems if it is not managed. For example, the jawbone is vital for supporting dentures. It may be hard to find a comfortable fit over time as the bone deteriorates. If a patient only has one missing tooth, bone loss can make a dental implant harder to place. An implant may require bone grafting beforehand to replace the missing jaw structure.
Bone resorption can also result in facial changes. The lips and cheeks may start to sink in or shift, with changes becoming more apparent over time.
Treatment for bone resorption largely depends on the cause of the bone deterioration, so the first step is working with your provider to determine the source of the issue. After tooth extraction, a dentist may choose to immediately place a dental implant, which can help prevent bone loss, explains a study in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology. Implants stimulate the bone to restore the balance of natural bone production and resorption. Bone grafting may be necessary before implants can be placed in sites that have already experienced significant bone loss.
If you have ill-fitting dentures, work with your dentist to adjust them to ensure they are comfortable and that they do not contribute to bone deterioration. If the bone loss is part of a condition like osteoporosis, your doctor and dentist may need to collaborate on systemic treatment. The Mayo Clinic notes that bone loss caused by osteoporosis may be treated with a variety of medications or hormone therapies depending on a person's age, gender and other medical conditions.
Your periodontist or orthodontist will be able to guide you on treatments for bone loss caused by severe gum disease or realignment of teeth, respectively. No matter your specific situation, you and your dental professional can work together to come up with the best approach for treating bone resorption in your mouth.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
