Jaw & Gum Resorption Missing one tooth might not seem like that big of a deal. Especially if it is one of your back teeth. After all, nobody will see it, and you have got plenty of other teeth for chewing. But as soon as you lose a tooth, you are at risk for a number of different serious oral health concerns. One of the most damaging is what is known as jaw and gum resorption, which shrinks your jawbone. Here at Brea Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, our dentists are committed to making sure that even if you need to have a tooth extracted, the health of your jaw and gums never has to suffer. Why Does Jaw & Gum Resorption Happen?Your jawbone actually relies on your teeth as much as your teeth rely on your jawbone. When a tooth is lost or extracted, the bone beneath is no longer being stimulated by the constant use of that tooth. Your body decides that it does not need the calcium your teeth once stored. Resorption can also happen with teeth that are severely damaged or decayed, as a result of gum disease, and from wearing dentures long-term. What Happens During Resorption?When a part of the jawbone no longer has a tooth to support, the body thinks that there is no more need for that bone. The bone volume shrinks as it’s reabsorbed back into the body and the strength of the bone itself begins to weaken. This resorption is incredibly rapid - in the first year after the loss of a tooth, you will lose as much as 25% of your bone volume. What Are the Dangers of Resorption?When your mouth does not have all of its teeth, the remaining ones will gradually shift into the empty spot. This moves them out of alignment, which can make chewing difficult and even painful and can in fact accelerate damage. When resorption becomes advanced enough your facial structure will actually collapse in on itself as the bone retreats, and you’ll end up looking much older than you actually are. How Can Resorption be Prevented and Treated?There are several different ways that resorption can be prevented, such as with a socket graft placed immediately after an extraction, but there is only one way to permanently put a stop to it. That is with dental implants. These are the new standard in prosthetic teeth, as they actually replace the root itself. This means they are embedded in the jaw where they fuse with the living bone, once more providing your jaw with the stimulation it needs. These new teeth look, feel, and function so similarly to your natural teeth that even your own jaw can’t tell the difference! Do Not Wait Until it Is Too LateJaw and gum resorption is entirely preventable, and even if it’s already begun it’s not too late to act. At Brea Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team of highly skilled dentists are passionate about helping you build and maintain strong oral health, so that you can talk, eat, and smile with the confidence you deserve. Give us a call (657) 341-0808 and schedule a consultation today! |
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