Dental bone loss occurs when the bone supporting the tooth shrinks so that the tooth is in a loose position in the socket. If bone damage is not treated, the tooth may fall out completely because there is not enough bone to support it. Dental bone loss is commonly associated with severe gum problems (periodontitis), osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although surgery is usually required to restore a large amount of bone loss, you can prevent it by taking care of your teeth regularly and paying attention to signs and symptoms of bone loss early on.
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Method 1 of 3: Recovering Loss of Tooth Bone with Medical Assistance
Step 1. Get a bone graft
Teeth that have been lost are very difficult to regrow. Currently, the only way is to undergo a tooth transplant. The bone graft wound will heal in 2 weeks.
- Your dentist may tell you that you should wait 3–6 months before you can see the results of the graft.
- Bone grafting to restore tooth bone loss is divided into three main types of procedures, which are discussed below.
Step 2. Undergo osteogenesis-type bone grafting
In this procedure, bone is taken from a single source (jaw area, etc.) and transferred to the area where the tooth bone is missing. The transferred bone cells will grow more and create new bone to replace the lost bone.
- Taking bone from one area of the body and implanting it in the area of the missing tooth bone is the standard in tooth grafting.
- This technique allows the body to accept new bone cells because they have recognized them.
- Bone marrow transplantation is commonly used in osteogenesis.
Step 3. Learn about osteoconductive bone grafting as a way of providing a “scaffold” for bone growth
In this process, a bone graft is implanted in the area of bone loss. The implant acts as a scaffold that allows bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) to grow and multiply.
- An example of a scaffolding material is bioactive glass.
- During the grafting procedure, bioactive glass is implanted to produce new tooth bone.
- The bioactive glass serves as a scaffold that forms the basis for bone graft growth. Bioactive glass also releases growth factors that make osteoblasts more effective in bone formation.
Step 4. Try osteoconduction to promote stem cell growth
In this technique, a bone graft, such as a Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM), from a deceased person or a bone bank is transferred to the area where the tooth bone has been lost. DBM grafts stimulate stem cell growth and make stem cells transform into osteoblasts. Osteoblasts will repair damaged bone and form new tooth bone.
- The use of DBM grafts from a deceased person is safe and legal. Prior to transplantation, all grafts will be thoroughly sterilized.
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After making sure the transplant is safe, the bone graft will be tested to see if it fits the recipient's body.
This is important to ensure the transplant will not be rejected by the body
Step 5. Go for a thorough tartar cleaning to remove the infection that causes bone loss
Thorough tartar cleaning or non-surgical grinding of the roots are cleaning techniques that diabetics usually need. During this procedure, the root area of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned to remove the part of the root that is infected by bacteria that cause bone loss. Usually, after the procedure, gum disease can be controlled and bone loss will not occur again.
- If you have diabetes, your recovery may be impaired and you may need additional dental care, such as antibiotics and antibacterial mouthwashes.
- You may be prescribed doxycycline 100 mg/day for 14 days. This drug is a supporter of a weak immune system.
- A chlorhexidine mouthwash may also be prescribed, to kill the bacteria that cause severe gum disease. You will be asked to rinse your mouth with 10 ml of 0.2% chlorhexidine (Orahex®) for 30 seconds for 14 days.
Step 6. Take estrogen replacement therapy to prevent osteoporosis
Estrogen can prevent osteoporosis and maintain mineral content in bones, by slowing bone loss. Hormone replacement therapy can also reduce the risk of heart disease and fractures. There are several ways to use estrogen replacement therapy, and here are the most common options:
- Estrace: 1-2 mg daily for 3 weeks
- Premarin: 0.3 mg daily for 25 days
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Here is an estrogen patch that is also used in estrogen replacement therapy, placed on the abdomen, below the waistline:
- Alora
- Climara
- Estraderm
- Vivelle-Dot
Method 2 of 3: Preventing Tooth Bone Loss
Step 1. Prevent bone loss by keeping your teeth and mouth healthy
To avoid expensive bone grafting procedures, you can prevent bone loss early on. The method is quite easy, if you are willing to take the necessary steps. You just need to keep your teeth and mouth clean and healthy by following a few simple steps below:
- Brush teeth thoroughly after each meal. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day can prevent gum disease. This routine can remove plaque that causes gum disease and tooth bone loss.
- Use dental floss afterwards. Flossing will remove any plaque that the brush doesn't lift. The use of dental floss is a mandatory step because there may still be plaque attached because the bristles cannot reach it.
Step 2. Visit the dentist regularly for a thorough cleaning
Tooth decay is the main cause of tooth bone loss. Damage can be prevented with regular visits to the dentist so you can receive a thorough cleaning and comprehensive treatment.
- To maintain dental bones, keep all your teeth healthy.
- Visit the dentist every six months for regular cleanings. It is mandatory to maintain dental and oral health.
- Regular consultations allow the dentist to monitor the health of your teeth and mouth, and prevent the development of gum problems.
- X-rays are sometimes taken to clearly see areas of bone loss.
- If you don't have your teeth checked regularly, one day you may find that your tooth bone loss has reached an irreversible stage.
Step 3. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride
Fluoride toothpaste can protect teeth and gums by providing minerals that keep bones and enamel strong.
- Excessive use of fluoride is not recommended as it can cause other health problems.
- Use toothpaste containing fluoride once a day, the rest use regular toothpaste.
- Do not use fluoride toothpaste for children under 10 years of age.
Step 4. Increase your calcium intake to support bone health
Calcium is an essential nutrient for the health of all bones in the body, including teeth. Calcium-rich foods and calcium supplements ensure you get the amount of calcium you need to build and strengthen bones and teeth, increase bone density, and reduce your risk of tooth loss and fractures.
- Foods such as low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, spinach, and soy milk are rich in calcium and are important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
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Calcium can also be obtained from supplement tablets.
Take 1 tablet (Caltrate 600+) after breakfast and 1 tablet after dinner. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as possible
Step 5. Make sure you get enough vitamin D to absorb calcium properly
Take a vitamin D supplement or enjoy the sun to make sure you are receiving adequate levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps increase bone density by helping the body absorb and retain calcium in the body.
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To find out if you have a vitamin D deficiency, ask your doctor if you can have a test to measure the amount of vitamin D in your blood.
- A result of less than 40 ng/ml indicates vitamin D deficiency.
- The recommended amount of vitamin D is 50 ng/ml.
- Take a 5,000 IU vitamin D supplement daily.
Method 3 of 3: Understanding Risk Factors and Recognizing Symptoms Early
Step 1. Recognize the signs and symptoms of tooth loss so you can treat it effectively
Dental bone loss in the early stages is difficult to detect just by looking at the teeth. Dentists usually need a radiograph or a CT scan to see if your teeth are shrinking. If you don't regularly consult a dentist, chances are you've only noticed bone loss at a more severe stage.
- If you have tooth loss, you may notice some changes. Changes occur because bone shrinks and cannot support teeth as effectively as normal. Remember, these changes develop gradually:
- Gear position is more advanced
- Formation of space between teeth
- Teeth feel loose and can be moved from side to side
- Angled teeth
- Rotating gear position
- Teeth feel different when clenched.
Step 2. Understand that severe gum disease is a major cause of tooth bone loss
This condition, called periodontitis, is caused by bacteria in plaque. These bacteria inhabit the gums and secrete toxins that cause the bones to shrink.
In addition, the immune system also contributes to bone loss in an attempt to kill bacteria. To fight bacteria, immune cells produce substances (such as matrix metalloproteinases, IL-1 beta, prostaglandin E2, TNF-alpha) whose negative effects promote bone loss
Step 3. Recognize that diabetes contributes to an increased risk of bone loss
Diabetes is a disease caused by impaired insulin production (Type 1) and resistance to insulin (Type 2). Both types of diabetes have an impact on dental and oral health. Most people with diabetes also have severe gum problems that lead to tooth loss.
- People with diabetes have hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar levels, which promotes the growth of bacteria that cause bone loss.
- The body's defenses for diabetics are not perfect because the white blood cells weaken so they are more susceptible to infection.
Step 4. Realize that osteoporosis contributes to general weakening and breakdown of bones
Osteoporosis is a disease that is often experienced by women aged 60 years and over because at that time bone density decreases. This occurs due to a calcium-phosphate imbalance that helps maintain minerals in bones, along with a decrease in estrogen levels.
A reduction in overall bone density also increases the risk of tooth bone loss
Step 5. Remember that pulling teeth can lead to bone loss
The bone of the tooth usually shrinks once the tooth is extracted. After tooth extraction, a blood clot will form and white blood cells will fill the socket that was previously occupied by the tooth to rid the area of bacteria and tissue damage. A few weeks later, new cells will enter the area to continue the cleaning process. These cells (osteons) can support bone formation.
