Bone Loss Causes
Bone loss is a common consequence of loss of teeth and chronic periodontitis. In the case of periodontitis, the bacteria gradually eats away at the underlying jawbone and at the periodontal ligaments that connect the tooth to the bone.The most common cause of bone loss is tooth loss left unreplaced, especially multiple teeth. Jawbone is preserved through the pressure and stimulus of chewing. When that is removed through tooth loss, the bone “resorbs” (reabsorbs) into the body. In the first year after tooth extraction 25% of bone is lost, and this bone loss continues on.
This bone loss occurs in the bone surrounding and supporting the tooth, known as alveolar bone. Alveolar bone forms the ridges in which the teeth are embedded. These ridges atrophy both vertically and horizontally. Replacing teeth with full or partial dentures doesn’t solve the problem as the dentures exert a very small amount of chewing pressure on the bone compared to natural teeth, as low as 10% or less.Removal of the molars in the upper jaw can cause additional resorption of the bone due to expansion of the sinus cavity. With no teeth in place, the air pressure in the sinus cavity can cause resorption of the bone lining the sinuses.
Prevention And Minimally Invasive Options
Drs. Henriod and Hendry are also experts in LANAP surgery, an effective treatment for gum disease which uses a laser to target diseased areas. This safe and non-invasive procedure can be done in a one to two hour appointment, causing almost no interruption to your daily routine.
In cases where bone has already been lost, extractions and bone grafting might be needed to provide enough bone for dental implant placement. We need enough height of the ridge for any teeth replacement with implants, and when replacing the back teeth (molars), we also need enough width.
Drs. Henriod and Hendry can often place the bone graft at the same time as the implant unless the bone loss is severe, in which case it might need to be done as a separate procedure. As a general rule of thumb, Dr. Henriod and Hendry always view implants as a last resort for your smile.
A single-tooth implant or a dental bridge with three to four teeth supported by two implants provide a chewing power of 99% of natural bite force. A denture secured with dental implants, such as our Same Day Teeth procedure, provides about 70% to 80% of normal biting force and helps considerably in preventing bone loss.
Consultation For Bone Loss Treatments
If you are interested in learning more about our bone loss treatments, we are ready to answer any concerns or questions. We can also help many patients get implants without any kind of bone grafting through the use of our 3D cone beam CT scanner.
Drs. Hendry and Henriod are also one of the most sought-after specialists in the area to perform Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP), a minimally-invasive treatment that can treat moderate to severe gum disease.
To make an appointment, call (626) 796-5386 or click here to request an appointment online.
Bone Loss And Dentures
Dentures can accelerate bone loss by wearing away at the ridges of bone they are placed on. Every time you bite down or clench your teeth you are placing pressure on the ridge, resulting in its resorption. This is a primary cause of continual problems on getting dentures to fit, of sore spots and difficult or painful chewing. People who wear dentures can experience another severe consequence of bone loss: collapse of the lower third of their face.
The loss of the ridge bone brings your chin closer to the nose, causing your jaw to jut out and your nose appears to stick out further because your upper lip has puckered in. Deep wrinkles appear around the mouth and the cheeks develop “jowls”— sagging skin. This facial collapse can appear to age you by many years!
Bone loss can be prevented by giving the jawbone a replacement tooth with a root that can exert the same or similar pressure as natural teeth. This is done immediately after extraction by replacing single teeth with dental implants, or by using a fixed implant-supported bridge or denture.A single-tooth implant or a dental bridge with three to four teeth supported by two implants provide a chewing power of 99% of natural bite force. A denture secured with dental implants, such as our Same Day Teeth procedure, provides about 70% to 80% of normal biting force and helps considerably in preventing bone loss.
WHAT ABOUT LOSS OF BONE DENSITY?
When bones loses density it becomes more porous. Density loss is much less common than loss of bone volume, but is something we need to watch out for. Bone can lose density because of a variety of factors, including diet, hormonal imbalance, disease, lifestyle, and even tooth loss.
We can detect low density bone ahead of time using our 3D cone beam CT scanner to capture 3D images. The whiter the color of the bone in the X-ray, the denser it is. We can then avoid these areas of low density, or take precautions by using special implants with a surface that draws the bone to it, which creates denser bone around the implant.
BONE LOSS TREATMENT OPTIONS
BONE GRAFTING
In cases where bone has already been lost, bone grafting might be needed to provide enough bone for dental implant placement. We need enough height of the ridge for any teeth replacement with implants, and when replacing the back teeth (molars), we also need enough width.
We also use bone grafting to repair damaged and lost bone around teeth that have suffered from severe gum disease.
A bone graft not only replaces lost bone, it also stimulates the jawbone to regrow and eventually replaces the bone graft with the patient’s own, healthy bone. We use a variety of different types of bone graft material, depending on the patient, including new cutting-edge materials that require less healing time.
SINUS LIFTS
When your upper back teeth have been removed, the ridge bone resorbs and the sinus cavity expands, so that eventually the bone separating the sinus cavity and the oral cavity is very thin.
Dental implants can’t be placed in such thin bone and in these cases Drs. Henriod and Hendry will do a sinus lift. The sinus is raised by gently pushing up the membrane lining the sinus away from your jaw and packing in bone graft material into the space where the sinus cavity was. Once the bone graft material has fully integrated with the jawbone, we can place your implants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Loss Treatment
How do I know if I am experiencing jawbone loss?
Bone loss often develops gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms at first. Over time, patients may experience loose teeth, a shifting bite, changes in facial profile, ill-fitting dentures, or increased gum recession. A definitive diagnosis requires imaging, such as a 3D cone beam CT scan, which allows the doctors to measure bone levels with precision. Early detection is important because prompt treatment helps preserve your natural teeth and prevent further deterioration.
Can bone loss be reversed without surgery?
When bone loss results from active periodontal disease, some minimally invasive treatments, such as LANAP, can stimulate tissue regeneration and attachment. However, lost bone typically cannot fully regenerate without support from targeted therapies or grafting. The goal of early intervention is to halt further loss, stabilize the gums, and create an environment where bone can rebuild in a controlled, predictable way.
What types of bone graft materials are available?
Several grafting options exist depending on your diagnosis and goals. These include donor bone, synthetic grafts, bone from another area of your jaw, and biologically enhanced grafts that incorporate growth factors to speed healing. Your doctor will determine the best material based on the size of the defect, implant planning needs, and your overall oral health. All graft types used in the practice are safe, biocompatible, and carefully selected for predictable results.
How long does a bone graft take to heal before implants can be placed?
Healing times vary depending on the extent of bone loss and the type of graft used. Many grafts require 3 – 6 months to integrate fully, although small grafts may heal more quickly. In certain cases, when there is enough initial bone support, the doctors can place the implant and graft during the same appointment. Your 3D scan helps determine which approach will result in the strongest, most stable foundation for long-term function.
What are the benefits of treating bone loss early?
Addressing bone loss promptly helps preserve the remaining teeth, maintain facial structure, and reduce the need for more extensive procedures in the future. Early treatment also increases the likelihood of successful implant placement and restores the chewing strength necessary for a healthy diet. Patients who intervene early often avoid the accelerated aging effects associated with severe bone resorption.
How much does bone loss treatment cost?
The cost depends on the type of bone loss, how many areas need treatment, whether grafting is required, and whether implants are part of your long-term plan. As every case varies, the practice provides individualized treatment estimates after your exam and 3D imaging. Although bone grafting and regenerative therapy involve an investment, many patients appreciate that these procedures prevent more complex and expensive problems later.
Does dental insurance cover bone grafting or bone loss treatment?
Insurance plans vary widely. Some policies cover grafting when it is needed for medical reasons, such as preparing for an implant or stabilizing bone damaged by periodontal disease. However, not all plans include benefits for regenerative procedures. The team at Pasadena Periodontics reviews your insurance benefits, explains expected out-of-pocket costs, and submits all required documentation on your behalf.
What happens if bone loss is left untreated?
Untreated bone loss can lead to loose teeth, worsening gum recession, chronic infection, and changes in facial structure that contribute to premature aging. Dentures may become increasingly unstable as the ridge shrinks, making chewing difficult and uncomfortable. Severe bone loss also limits future treatment options, making it more complex to place implants or restore function. Treatment at the earliest stage helps preserve long-term oral health.
How can I find a specialist near Pasadena who treats jawbone loss?
Patients from Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, Arcadia, and the greater Los Angeles area often seek out Drs. Henriod and Hendry, because of their advanced training in regenerative therapy, LANAP, implant planning, and complex bone reconstruction. Their use of digital imaging and minimally invasive techniques allows for more precise diagnosis and predictable bone rebuilding.
Are bone loss treatments available for patients traveling from outside Southern California?
Yes. Many patients travel for specialized periodontal care, especially when seeking regenerative procedures or implant-based reconstruction. The practice can coordinate consultations, imaging, procedure scheduling, and follow-up care to minimize travel. Whether you are local or visiting from another state, the team can customize your treatment timeline to fit your needs.
WHEN BONE LOSS DOESN’T NEED BONE GRAFTING OR SINUS LIFTS?
The good news is that we can help many patients get implants without any kind of bone grafting through the use of our 3D cone beam CT scanner. This breakthrough technology allows us to see the teeth, jaw and related structures in full 360º view. We can measure the exact width and height of your ridges and assess how much, if any, bone grafting is actually needed. In many cases we can find enough bone to use for implants.
The 3D scanner also permits us to perform procedures such as full-mouth teeth replacement, which can be done using just four implants per arch placed where we can take advantage of the bone available.
