What is Bone Resorption?

What is Bone Resorption?

What is Bone Resorption?

When considering implant placement for missing teeth, bone resorption may be a primary concern in the treatment.  For patients who have lost teeth, have periodontal disease, or major tooth decay, the bone that keeps teeth in place may have resorbed or receded. At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implant & Oral Surgery, we provide bone grafting procedures to restore the density of your jaw bone and structure.

Cause of Bone Resorption

Bone resorption has many causes such as missing teeth, excessive alcohol consumption, and pregnancy. A lost tooth in the smile initiates receding bone density due to the lack of stimulation for the jawbone.

The Impact on the Smile

The loss of bone impacts your oral health and overall facial structures. Bone resorption increases chances of developing or causes the following complications:

  • Misalignment due to the shifting of teeth
  • Jaw is more susceptible to succumbing to injury
  • Poor digestion associated with a weak bite
  • Jaw shrinkage or facial sagging resulting in a pre-matured appearance
  • Gum tissue decay

Bone Grafting and Implant Treatment

Patients who are experiencing missing teeth are highly recommended by dental professionals to undergo bone grafting procedures, as well as implant placement, to restore the function of their smile. For an individual to begin the implant treatment process, their bone density would need to be adequate to sustain the post. Dental implants replace a tooth from root to crown, so neighboring teeth make no attempt to fill in the empty space left by a missing tooth. Patients who receive implant-supported restorations regain the function and comfortability lost with missing teeth.

If you have been missing teeth for some time, your jaw bone mass may have reduced significantly. Bone grafting would be the recommended treatment to ensure success for your dental implant treatment. A bone graft consists of using the extracted bone tissue or with synthetic grafts and attaching it to the section where bone density must be improved. This will encourage bone tissue development and reestablish a healthy density.

If you have any questions regarding bone resorption and how it may be affecting individuals with missing teeth, call Lorton-Springfield Dental Implant & Oral Surgery! Our Springfield practice wants to keep everyone’s smiles healthy! 703-436-4633