Jawbone loss is caused by gum disease, missing teeth, dentures, osteoporosis, or infection.
Causes
- Gum disease (periodontitis).
- Missing teeth: bone loses stimulation.
- Dentures.
- Osteoporosis.
- Infection or abscess.
- Cysts or tumors.
- Smoking.
Signs
Loose teeth, receding gums, a sunken look.
Treatment
Treat gum disease, bone grafts and implants.
Prevention
Brush, floss and replace missing teeth.
See a dentist
For X-rays.
Causes of bone loss
Jawbone loss occurs from periodontal disease, tooth loss (bone shrinks without roots to stimulate it), poorly fitted dentures, infection, trauma, osteoporosis, osteonecrosis from bisphosphonates and certain cancers or radiation therapy. After a tooth is pulled, up to about 25 percent of ridge width can be lost in the first year, and losses of 40 to 60 percent can occur over 2 to 3 years.
- Smoking increases risk of gum disease and bone loss.
- Diabetes and poor oral hygiene increase risk.
- Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is rare but linked to antiresorptive drugs, with higher risk with IV bisphosphonates in cancer patients.
Treatment and prevention
Treatment includes deep cleaning, bone grafting, sinus lift, guided bone regeneration and implants when stable. Socket preservation grafting at extraction reduces loss. Prevent by brushing, flossing, dental visits and quitting smoking. See a dentist for loose teeth, receding gums, changes in denture fit or persistent jaw pain.
Causes of bone loss
Jaw bone loss follows tooth loss, periodontitis, dentures, infection, osteoporosis or radiation. After a tooth is lost, the bone can lose about 25 percent of its width in the first year.
Treatment and prevention
Dental implants, bone grafts and treating gum disease can help. Good hygiene and regular visits matter. Bisphosphonates rarely lead to jaw osteonecrosis.
How bone is lost
Jaw bone loss (alveolar bone resorption) happens when teeth are lost because the bone no longer receives chewing stimulation, and the ridge can lose up to 25 percent of its width in the first year after extraction. Periodontitis is the other big cause, since bacteria destroy the bone around teeth. Osteoporosis, long term denture use, infections, trauma and some medicines such as bisphosphonates also contribute.
Treatment options
Dentists measure bone with X rays and CBCT scans. Treatments include bone grafting, sinus lift, ridge augmentation and guided bone regeneration, followed by implants after months of healing. Implants help preserve bone because they transmit chewing forces. Good oral hygiene, quitting smoking and controlling diabetes slow periodontal loss. Early scaling and root planing treat gum disease before bone is lost.
Based on data from the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association
