Different conditions can compromise the integrity of your maxilla and mandible. These bones are often overlooked when talking about oral health, but they play a huge role by supporting our teeth and also giving shape to our face. Most people think of bones as something rigid that doesn’t change, but the truth is that bone tissue is constantly being modified. This malleable nature of bone tissue is the reason why your teeth can change positions during orthodontic treatment. However, it is not always beneficial like in the case of bone loss. In this article, you will find tips on how to avoid bone loss and learn about the benefits of undergoing bone grafting in Kissimmee.
What causes bone loss?
There are two main causes of jawbone deterioration, with the leading one being periodontal disease. This condition entails the buildup of plaque beneath the gum line. As the disease progresses, the gums become inflamed and all the structures that support the teeth are affected. These include the alveolar bone. Without proper treatment, there can be a notable decrease in bone density which leads to bone loss, loose teeth, and tooth loss.
Tooth loss is also a cause of bone loss. As soon as you lose a tooth, all the tissues that surrounded it start to deteriorate. This includes the jawbone since it no longer receives the stimulation it needs to grow. People who have lost many teeth experience a significant degeneration of the jawbone. As their jaw begins to recede, their facial features change and they start to look much older.
How to prevent bone loss
Considering that the main two causes of jawbone deterioration are directly related to your oral health, you should have regular checkups with a dentist in Kissimmee. Following their recommendations, you should brush your teeth twice daily and floss once a day. This will prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar which are responsible for gum disease. You should quit smoking because it is associated with tooth loss and is damaging to your oral health.
Another way to maintain the integrity of your jawbone is by increasing your intake of vitamin D and calcium. These have been proven to increase bone density. Vitamin D is found in fatty fishes like tuna and salmon, as well as milk and egg yolks. It is also generated by your skin when you are in the sun. On the other hand, calcium-rich foods include milk, chia seeds, yogurts, almonds, beans, and lentils. If you wish, you can also use supplements.
Bone regeneration
As previously stated, bone tissue is not static and is constantly changing. Dentists can take advantage of this property to treat bone loss with a surgical procedure called bone grafting. During this procedure, a dentist near you will make an incision in your gums near the area with the bone loss, and add the grafting material. This material could be from your own body, a synthetic or natural substitute. After this, your bone will begin to grow until it is completely integrated with the graft. This procedure can be performed to save teeth from periodontal disease, or immediately after a tooth extraction to avoid imminent jawbone degeneration.
Significance of bone grafting for dental implants
If it’s been quite some time since you have lost your teeth, this is a reason to undergo bone grafting near you. Dental implants, while being the best option for tooth replacement, require healthy bone tissue to grow around them to become stable and strong. By undergoing bone grafting, your jawbone will grow again, and after a couple of months, you will be ready for dental implant surgery.