Dental bone loss happens when the jaw loses some of the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. Tooth loss, periodontal disease, and oral injuries may all contribute to this change. When bone volume has already declined, bone grafting can help rebuild parts of the jaw and create enough structure for dental implants.
Patients in the Seattle, WA, area who are experiencing bone loss can find help at Pacific Northwest Periodontics. The team of experienced periodontists includes Dr. Darrin Rapoport and Dr. Riccardo Di Gianfilippo, both diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology.
Why Does Jawbone Loss Occur?
Your jawbone is living tissue, and it changes in response to what happens in your mouth.
Tooth loss is one major reason. Tooth roots normally stimulate the surrounding bone as you bite and chew. Once a tooth is gone, that stimulation disappears, and the body gradually resorbs bone from that area.
Periodontal disease can cause a different type of bone loss. As disease progresses around a tooth, inflammation and infection damage the bone. Eventually, teeth may loosen or shift because they no longer have the same level of support.
Oral injuries can also affect the jawbone. Trauma that damages a tooth, nearby tissues, or the bone may lead to bone loss, especially if the tooth becomes unstable or must be removed.
Why Is Bone Volume Important?
Strong bone supports your natural teeth and plays an important role in dental implant placement. An implant needs adequate bone in the planned location to remain stable as it heals.
That means bone loss isn’t something to consider only when a tooth is already missing. Controlling periodontal disease can help preserve the bone around existing teeth and maintain their structure.
What Can Be Done About Bone Loss?
Treatment depends on what caused the problem and how much bone has been lost.
When periodontal disease is responsible, care may begin with taking steps to control the disease. Pacific Northwest Periodontics uses both nonsurgical and surgical periodontal therapies depending on the severity of the condition.
When bone volume needs to be rebuilt, bone grafting places graft material in an area of deficiency. As healing occurs, the graft creates a framework for new bone growth. Grafting is frequently used when a person doesn’t have enough jawbone to support an implant.
Find Out What Is Causing Your Bone Loss
Bone loss doesn’t have one universal cause, so treatment starts with determining what’s happening beneath the gumline. Pacific Northwest Periodontics serves patients in the Seattle, WA, area with periodontal and implant care for bone-related concerns. To discuss your options, contact us or call 206-575-1086.
