Beautiful smiles require healthy teeth, healthy gums, and healthy bone. Occasionally, a patient experiences bone recession in their jaw which can cause tooth loss and other problems. However, it is commonly the other way around. The bone loss occurs as a result of a lost tooth because the blood supply and stimulus necessary for maintaining healthy bone is taken away. Bone recession can be caused by a number of factors. Let’s look at the most common causes of jaw bone loss:
Gum Infection
A gum infection can result when gum inflammation goes untreated and progresses to periodontitis. With periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth creating pockets which provide the perfect breeding ground for the detrimental infection. Gum infections can advance undetected, though there are usually warning signs. Swollen, painful gums, loose teeth, and gums that bleed when brushed are symptoms of periodontitis. The infection dissolves bone as the gums pull away from the tooth. Inadequate oral hygiene increase the risk of gum disease but other factors can compromise gum health. These include smoking (no surprise there), hormone levels, diseases that lower immune system effectiveness, medications that cause dry mouth, and genetic predisposition.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscess is a pus-filled pocket of infection that occurs in the nerve and roots of a tooth. As the infection attacks the tooth and bone tissue it creates a space that fills with pus. There are several treatments for a tooth abscess including antibiotics to kill the infection, a root canal, or extraction, if needed.
Extracted Teeth
Bone is living tissue and needs stimulation to stay healthy and retain its size and density. Biting, chewing, talking and all the other normal mouth functions keep the portion of the bone surrounding the tooth root healthy. When a tooth is extracted, the bone that used to anchor the tooth root recedes as if it understands that it is no longer needed. A dental implant provides stimulation similar to the natural tooth and can prevent bone recession.
If you would like to replace a missing tooth with an implant, but don’t have enough bone at the implant site, you might be a candidate for bone grafting. Bone grafting may sound like major oral surgery but it is really a routine procedure performed in a dental office.
I am Dr. Gordon West of Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Lafayette. If you have experienced bone recession due to gum disease, an abscess, an extracted tooth, or any other reason, let’s explain your options. You may benefit from a dental implant, soft tissue grafts, or bone grafts. Dental implants can significantly improve your quality of life and prohibit further recession. Call 303-665-5335 to make an appointment for an informative exam and consult.
I pride myself in the personal attention and quality dental care I provide to each of my patients. I understand that visiting a dentist can cause anxiety for some people. I promise you that you will feel comfortable in my care and leave the appointment with accurate information and an individualized treatment plan.
Dr. Gordon West
Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry
1140 W South Boulder Rd, Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado 80026
303-665-5335
https://www.bouldercountysmiles.com/services/
