Dental bone loss occurs when the bone surrounding and supporting your teeth shrinks. Left untreated, it can cause your neighboring teeth to loosen or fall out. Dental bone loss can occur for a variety of reasons, from tooth extractions to dental trauma (chipped or cracked teeth), ill-fitting dentures or bridges, and gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. The most common cause is tooth loss and severe gum disease. While bone loss primarily occurs in older adults it can affect anyone at any age. In our latest blog we go over dental bone loss symptoms, treatments, and prevention plans. Read a long to find out more.
Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of dental bone loss include the following:
- Pain
- Loose or shifty tooth
- Swollen, tender, bleeding gums
- An increase in sensitivity
- Bad breath
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms it is highly recommended to visit your local dentist. Getting on top of it will not only remedy your symptoms but will prevent further bone loss.
Treatments
While the damages are irreversible, there are a variety of ways to combat it and prevent more damage. Treatment plans include non-surgical and surgical options. Depending on the severity of loss experienced, your dentist will select one of the following treatment plans:
Non-surgical options:
- root planning
- scaling
- antibiotics
Surgical treatments
- bone grafting
- guided tissue regeneration
- flap-surgery
- soft tissue grafts
To ensure the most effective care, your dentist will need to closely examine your mouth and take x-rays for a better and detailed account of what is happening below the gum. Regular x-ray scans are recommended. X-ray scans allow your dentist to better keep track of your dental health and point out any abnormalities when the occur as they occur.
Dental Bone Loss Prevention Plans
There are various ways to prevent dental bone loss. The best way to prevent it is through proper dental hygiene and maintenance. Proper dental care includes regular brushing, flossing, and visits to your local dentist. At California Dental Care we offer excellent dental care ensuring each of our patient’s needs are meet. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above or simply want to continue maintaining a healthy smile, be sure to reach out to us! Call (707) 535-8008 or click here to schedule and appointment today.
