The most significant risk when you have missing teeth is bone loss.
When a tooth falls out because of decay or extraction, the bone that was there to support the tooth is useless and begins to resorb or deteriorate. With new technology, this doesn’t have to be your case.
With new advancements in dentistry, tooth loss can now be corrected when the conditions are favorable, thanks to options like dental implants.
Why Does Bone Loss Happen?
One of the most common reasons for bone loss is gum disease, which can lead to loose teeth that eventually fall out. In the past, making bone grow around a tooth was impossible. However, one of the most exciting dental discoveries is EMPs or enamel matrix proteins. These gels are designed to compel the body into regenerating bone and generally don’t cause any allergic reactions.
What is Bone Resorption?
According to the International Journal of Dentistry, “”bone resorption is a condition associated with a physiologic or pathologic process resulting in a loss of dentin, cementum and/or bone.””
Bone Resorption and Missing Teeth
When you have missing teeth, the bone that used to support those pieces is gone. This condition can result in loose teeth in otherwise healthy patients. As time goes by, the support for adjacent teeth may diminish causing a domino effect.
If you have missing teeth, you also suffer from bone loss in the jaw. Bone resorption is more common in elderly patients and those who wear dentures because they lack bone support. Many times, patients who wear dentures report they are loose. This happens because there is no bone support where the teeth are missing, and the dentures must be adjusted more often.
Please give us a call if you have missing teeth and think you may be suffering from bone resorption. We have some options we can discuss with you and we can also answer any concerns you may have about your situation.