02
May
An introduction to bone loss -what it is, why it matters, and how we treat it
When teeth are lost, it doesn’t “just” produce gaps in your smile, as devastating as that process can be. Tooth loss also promotes the loss of supportive bone in the jaw. This, too, is a devastating process. Fortunately, Pasadena, California, area residents with bone loss can benefit from the specialty expertise and capabilities of Pasadena Periodontics. Below, we’ve answered some of your questions about the potential dangers of untreated tooth loss and the treatment options to restore your bone, and, in doing so, we bring back the healthy function of your smile and your overall well-being, too!
Why does bone loss happen?
The most common cause of bone loss is the loss of teeth. Whether from untreated disease or acute trauma, tooth loss has many widespread and commonly overlooked consequences beyond highly cosmetic gaps in the smile. This is one of those often unconsidered and unknown complications. When teeth are lost, pressure and stimulus from chewing and other functions are no longer exerted on the jawbone. Since the jawbone no longer has such stimulation, it is resorbed (or reabsorbed) by the body. Think of it as a “use it or lose it” process. You lose that tone and density if you don’t use your muscles due to prolonged bed rest during sickness or a suddenly sedentary lifestyle. The same concept applies to the bone in our jaws. If it isn’t used, it can be lost.
What happens when a bone is lost like this?
Bone loss can affect many aspects of your life. Problems with chewing and speech can become more apparent due to the loss of the tissues that support such healthy functioning. There are also cosmetic consequences that go beyond gaps. For instance, the bone also supports facial tissues such as the skin. The skin no longer drapes properly over the face when its structural support is lost. This process can “age” you. Wrinkles, folds, and laxity may appear or look worse than before this process rearing its ugly head. Another cosmetic effect of bone loss is the collapse of the lower portion of the face. The chin and jawline may look depressed or sunken, making you look far older than your years. Lastly, inadequate bone structure can preclude you from getting the necessary treatments. These treatments may include dental implants to replace those lost teeth finally.
Why is adequate bone needed for implants?
The implant is designed to function like a tooth root. It’s made from materials that naturally fuse or grow to the surrounding bone in the jaw. If bone loss has been sustained, there may not be sufficient tissue to grow to the implant. The implant may never fully or properly heal and osseointegrate with the rest of the jaw. So, it is essential to have sufficient bone as a foundation for the implant. Only then can these implants provide stability and a foundation for the prosthetic teeth that are later attached to them.
How do you treat bone loss?
Pasadena Periodontics offers complete and advanced bone loss treatments as a specialty practice. These treatments include grafting. It might be an appropriate option for individuals who seek to have implants to replace their teeth and/or for those with extensive gum disease who have lost or damaged the bone around their teeth as a result of this destructive condition. We used various materials to build up the bone that had been resorbed. These materials include your tissue, taken from one site (such as the palate) and transferred to the resorption site as a graft. As specialists, we also use other cutting-edge graft materials associated with minimal healing time. We look forward to filling in any gaps about this process with you. Contact our team in Pasadena, CA, at (626) 796-5386 with further questions and to schedule your consultation.
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The skilled team at Pasadena Periodontics, led by Dr. Joel Henriod, Dr. Tyler Hendry,, and Dr. Jane Law, is dedicated to providing quality dental care to ensure that patients in Pasadena and nearby communities in California enjoy optimal oral health and beautiful smiles.
Dr. Joel Henriod
Dr. Henriod is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, certified in LANAP (laser periodontal surgery), the Pinhole Surgical Technique for receding gums, and both oral and IV sedation.
Dr. Tyler Hendry
Dr. Hendry is certified in LANAP® (Laser Periodontal Surgery), the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST), and both oral and IV sedation.
Dr. Jane Law
Dr. Law is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a board-certified specialist in Periodontics and Dental Implant Surgery.
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