Dental Bone Loss

We will comprehend the value of our teeth only when they are no longer rooted in our gums. Teeth are structures present in the oral cavity, which are embedded into sockets existing in the jawbone with the help of the periodontal fibers. Although these teeth are firmly fixed into the sockets, chronic tooth decay, infections, gum diseases, etc., can conduce to dental bone loss. The jawbone begins to recede, thereby leading to serious repercussions for the person.

Dental Bone Loss Causes

Gum Diseases: The number one factor conducing to dental bone loss is gum disease. Gum diseases or infections are mostly chronic and have been present for several years. This chronic infection of gums leads to bone loss around the teeth. One severe form of gum disease is the aggressive periodontitis, which is characterized by severe tooth bone loss.

Tooth Infections: The next most common factor conducing to dental bone loss is tooth infections. Tooth decay occurs when dental plaque gets deposited on the sides of the teeth and forms a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that eat their way into the tooth. Once they dig their way into the tooth and reach the nerves, tooth infections set in. The infection spreads from the infected tooth to the jawbone via the nerves. The infection begins to destroy the bone near the tooth tip by formation of pus. The common term used to describe this condition is tooth abscess. Tooth infection can also occur due to tooth fracture or any kind of tooth injury.

Root Canal Treatment: Dentists use root canal treatment to save decaying tooth from getting damaged for life. They stop the tooth infection from spreading further by removing the infected nerve tissue and then replacing it with a filling. However, this salvaging treatment can backfire if complete healing does not take place. If chronic infection sets into the jawbone, it slowly results in the jawbone.

Tooth Extraction: In case of tooth extractions also, if complete healing fails to take place, dental bone loss will follow. The saddest part here is that from the exterior, the extraction appears completely healed, however, the interior has not healed and is in the decaying state. A dead bone area called cavitation exists below the extraction site and leads to dental bone loss.

Some other factors that aggravate the condition of dental bone loss are smoking, poor oral hygiene, uncontrolled diabetes, osteoporosis, old age, medications that promote gingival growth, etc.

Early Symptoms of Dental Bone Loss

In most of the cases, there are no particular symptoms of dental bone loss in the early stages. However, let's have a look at some symptoms that do tend to occur.

• Redness and bleeding of gums
• Swollen gums around tooth
• Receding gum line
• Presence of deep pockets between two adjacent teeth
• Bad breath
• Loosening of teeth in the sockets

Treatment

Let us not forget that there is no method of dental bone loss regeneration. What is lost cannot be regained! This is why we need to focus on dental bone loss prevention and undertake all possible measures to stop the damage. Once a person's gums get infected by gum disease, it is impossible to clean all gum pockets with the toothbrush alone. The dentist may recommend the root planing method of cleaning, wherein, the exposed surfaces of the teeth root are cleaned. Since irregular surfaces lure bacteria as compared to the smoother surface it is important to clean the rough surfaces well, in order to prevent further dental bone loss. This root planing needs to be once in every 4-6 months. Antibiotics are also given to make the gums more firm.

Since there is no dental bone loss cure, we need to pay more attention to our teeth and oral hygiene. Even if you do not have any grave tooth issues, it is important not to get complacent. Brushing the teeth twice a day and regular flossing will help keep the teeth in good shape! Only proper dental care can conduce to good dental health and since an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, it is important to do all we can!