How the loss of a single tooth affect your jawbone (and why it matters) in four questions
The Semidey Dental team understands that gaps in the smile can take a tremendous mental and emotional toll. The loss of a single tooth can set in motion a process; other teeth shift toward the empty space and the gums begin to shrink. Patients may notice crowding and bite problems for the first time, but the issues don’t stop there.
When a tooth is lost, the supportive bone in the jaw is also lost. Jawbone loss has considerable negative impacts. For this reason, Drs. Alex Semidey and Sara Tarte emphasize prevention. Treatment at our Davie, Florida office is avoided when we partner with our patients to prevent this devastating process of bone resorption.
What causes bone loss?
To understand resorption, we must first understand a bit about the jawbone structure. The strength of this supportive hard tissue is maintained due to the functions of our teeth. Every time we bite or chew food, signals are sent from the roots of the teeth to the jawbone. These pressure signals are essential for the bone to maintain its structure and strength. When a tooth is lost due to advanced decay, gum disease, or trauma, the root is no longer present to transfer those vital signals to the jaw. When this part of the jaw is not “used,” you lose it! Similar to how muscles shrink following a prolonged period of rest, the bone in the jaw shrinks, too. The body begins to reabsorb the bone, which we refer to when we say “resorption.”
What happens if I develop bone loss?
When teeth are not preserved or replaced properly and promptly, the bone in the jaw can deteriorate or shrink, causing many functional and cosmetic complications. The loss of bone makes problems with misalignment and “bite” worse. If allowed to progress, the neighboring teeth may become loose and fall out, a domino effect of sorts. Additionally, issues with chewing food or speaking properly and clearly may become more pronounced.
What are some of the cosmetic issues?
Aside from tooth loss, the loss of bony tissue in the jaw alters the overall appearance and structure of the face. It’s estimated that bone resorption slashes the jawbone structure to one-fourth of its original height. The internal shape of the jaw and the external appearance of the lower portion of the face are dramatically transformed. These changes can be seen among some dentures-wearers. The chin or lower jaw may appear “collapsed” or “sunken” and prematurely “aged.” Since this process occurs so fast, with about a quarter of all bone loss within the first year of tooth loss, we prioritize replacing essential teeth quickly; however, not all prosthetics are the same.
What is the best option for bone loss, then?
Implants at Semidey Dental support the health and strength of the jawbone. Unlike other forms of tooth replacement, implant-supported teeth are designed to replace not only the crowns of visible parts of the teeth but also the roots of the teeth. The implant is secured in the jawbone. Once attached to the prosthetic (crown, bridge, or denture), implants function as tooth roots to stabilize the new teeth. Implants have the added benefit of maintaining the structure and function of the supportive jawbone due to their unique design. No other type of tooth replacement accounts for the roots; for example, bridges and dentures replace the visible parts of the teeth. But they do not replace the supportive structures.
Today could be the first day of your new smile and a renewed outlook on life. Contact our Davie, FL office at (954) 939-0996 to schedule your one-on-one consultation.
