Have you ever noticed how someone with missing teeth might have a slightly sunken facial appearance — almost as if they’re constantly sucking on a lemon? That change isn’t just cosmetic. It’s often the visible sign of bone loss beneath the surface.
Bone loss isn’t just a natural part of aging. It can happen to anyone, often as a result of poor oral hygiene, chronic gum disease, or lifestyle factors. When a tooth is lost or extracted, the jawbone that once supported it no longer receives stimulation and begins to shrink, a process called resorption. Over time, this can weaken the jawbone, alter facial structure, and complicate future dental treatments like implants. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms associated with bone loss, what can be done to prevent it, and treatment options.
What is dental bone loss?
Dental or alveolar bone loss refers to the breakdown of the bone that holds your teeth in place. It’s commonly caused by periodontitis, missing teeth, or systemic conditions like osteoporosis. If left untreated, this progressive bone resorption can result in decreased bone height, jaw ridge shrinkage, and limited options for dental restoration.
Advanced gum disease can also eat away at your jawbone, causing bone loss and ultimately leading to tooth loss. Once you’ve lost a tooth, additional bone and tooth loss are likely.
For patients considering implants, adequate bone volume is essential. Thankfully, some procedures offer effective solutions for rebuilding lost bone and restoring stability, laying the groundwork for long-term, successful outcomes.
What causes bone loss around teeth?
Bone loss is quite common and is usually a result of either missing teeth or advanced periodontitis (or peri-implantitis).
Missing teeth
Missing teeth are common — an estimated 20% of adults are missing at least one tooth. — and they can significantly contribute to bone loss. In the first year after losing a tooth, 25% of the surrounding bone is lost, and it will continue to wear away over time.
Gum disease
In the case of periodontitis or peri-implantitis, the bacteria in your mouth will gradually eat away at your underlying jawbone that connects the tooth (or implant) to the bone.
Misaligned teeth
Bone loss can also be caused by misaligned teeth that prevent normal chewing, causing a loss of stimulus to the bone.
Symptoms of bone loss
Patients affected by bone loss often suffer from additional issues related to their dental health. Here are the symptoms you’re most likely to experience due to bone loss:
- Changes in your bite and facial structure.
- Discomfort when you chew
- Shifting or loosening of your teeth
- Shrinking gums
- Lips beginning to sink inward
- Headaches, facial pain, and jaw pain
- Increased difficulty speaking
- Loose teeth
- New gaps between your teeth
- Bad breath
- Pain when chewing
Why is dental bone loss so problematic?
As bone loss progresses, it can lead to:
- Worsening oral function
- Loss of jaw support can cause teeth to loosen or shift
- Delaying treatment can limit options for implants or dentures
Not only does bone loss lead to even more dental health issues, but it also affects your quality of life.
If you’re impacted by bone loss, you may also experience the following:
- Difficulty eating and speaking
- Premature wrinkling around your mouth and a thinning of your lips, making you appear older
- Loss of confidence
- Pain and discomfort
Can you reverse bone loss in the jaw?
- Replace missing teeth as soon as you lose them.
- Practice good everyday oral hygiene habits.
- Stay up to date with your routine dental cleanings and exams.
- Follow all your periodontist-recommended treatment or prevention plans.
If you are already suffering from bone loss, thankfully, treatment options do exist and are very successful.
Treating bone loss
Effective treatments for bone loss in the jaw include the following:
Guided Bone Regeneration
This treatment rebuilds the bone that’s been lost, creating an adequate, strong, and stable foundation to replace a missing tooth.
Explore Guided Bone Regeneration
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Similar to the above, but focuses on both bone and gum tissue regeneration.
Explore Guided Tissue Regeneration
Bone Graft
This approach builds up the foundation around your teeth to maintain their health.
Osseous Surgery
Removes infected bone/tissue and reshapes bone to reduce pockets and support healing.
Gum Grafting
While primarily for gum recession, it supports the surrounding bone and helps prevent further loss.
Systemic Health
Managing systemic conditions (like diabetes or osteoporosis) that contribute to bone deterioration.
Sinus Lift
Adds bone in the upper jaw (near the molars) to allow for stable implant placement.
Replacing missing teeth with an implant
Once your bone is strong enough to support an implant, we highly recommend replacing any missing teeth. This will help support your jawbone and prevent any additional tooth loss in neighboring teeth.
Our team can help
As board-certified periodontists, we know that a healthy smile starts with strong, healthy bone and gums. Dr. Pumphrey and Dr. Davis bring years of specialized training in periodontal care, making them two of the few board-certified periodontists in Atlanta. Dr. Pumphrey is also board-certified in dental implant surgery, with thousands of successful implant placements to his name. With our expertise and experience, your smile is in excellent hands.
Whether you’re already suffering from bone loss or are concerned about developing the problem in the future due to missing teeth or gum disease, we’re here to help. Talk to our team today and evaluate your risk of dental bone loss.
If bone loss is occurring, it’s important to stop it from progressing and make a plan for rebuilding what was lost. At our offices, we may recommend a bone loss treatment when:
- Existing teeth or implants are at risk
- Your jawbone is too unstable to support an implant or other restorative treatment
We’ll review your situation and determine the best treatment option. We make it easy to get started. Visit our patient information page to learn about payment options, post-op instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Prefer to speak with someone directly? Give us a call:
Midtown Office: (404) 876-4867
Sandy Springs Office: (770) 442-1010
Or contact us online to learn more or schedule a visit — no referral needed!