As we age, we experience many changes in the body, ranging from greying hair to more porous bones. Over time, we can even lose bone mass due to several conditions and age-related factors.
Loss of bone tissue can result from tooth or gum deterioration, and cause discomfort and inconvenience. Jaw bone loss can impact your ability to chew, cause painful headaches and even distort your face shape.
In this article, we explain why you lose bone mass. We also highlight the most effective treatments for jaw bone loss.
What is Jaw Bone Loss?
Throughout all stages of life, bones renew themselves to adapt to various changes in the body. However, in some cases (especially in old age), the body removes bone matter faster than it can be replaced. This condition is known as bone loss.
When this condition affects the jaw bone, it can cause pain when you chew and increase your risk of fractures.
Reasons For Jaw Bone Loss
There are several contributing factors to jaw bone loss and even though this condition primarily occurs in the elderly, it can affect anyone at any age.
Some causes of jawbone deterioration include:
- Tooth extractions
- Periodontal disease
- Facial trauma
- Tumours
The most common cause of bone loss in the jaw – tooth extractions – cause the jaw bone to receive insufficient stimulation. If there is no longer a tooth in a place where it once was, impact from chewing will not be felt in that area. As a result, the body adapts by removing bone tissue since it is no longer needed.
Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, can result in the deterioration of the bone as a result of bacteria eroding the tissues of the mouth.
Tumours, facial trauma, and degenerative diseases can deform the jaw bone, resulting in bone loss and other abnormalities.
Can I Still Get Dental Implants if I Have Jaw Bone Loss?
In most cases, you are a suitable candidate for dental implants, even if you suffer from bone loss. In fact, in mild cases of bone loss, dental implants may provide you with the chewing surfaces you need to prevent further bone loss.
In general, dental implants require strong bones to work properly. That said, there are still options available for those who suffer from severe bone loss.
One option is to undergo a dental bone graft. This procedure involves using bone from other parts of the body and attaching it to wherever more support is needed.
Another alternative is to use dental implants. These implants are anchored into the cheekbone (the zygomatic bone) instead of the upper jaw bone.
Treatment Options
If you suffer from bone loss in the jaw due to tooth decay, illness, injury, or another reason, rest assured treatment options are available. Below, we list some of the most common bone loss treatments for the jaw area.
How to treat jaw bone loss:
- Bone grafting
- Sinus lift
- Ridge augmentation
Bone grafting can be used to replace lost bone and strengthen the jaw. A sinus lift involves moving a sinus membrane higher in the face to make room for an upper jaw bone graft. Finally, ridge augmentation can be used to reform and reshape both existing and new bone.
We Can Help With Jaw Bone Loss
Don’t wait another day to find relief from the discomfort and inconvenience of jaw bone loss. Advancements in technology and treatment plans performed by skilled, experienced dental professionals can help.
Call the team at Dentistry at Consilium in Scarborough today at 416-296-1080 or connect with us online using our contact form. We look forward to helping you!
