Bone Loss

Bone loss is a documented potential side effect of living with missing teeth, which results from a lack of nourishment to the jawbone from the missing root. Though missing teeth create logistical and cosmetic concerns for patients, the issue of bone degradation should be considered a significant factor in identifying and treating structural changes in patients who have lived with missing teeth for a prolonged period.

Why does the bone become weaker and even degraded due to missing teeth? The process is known as “bone resorption,” and it has been shown to impact oral structures like the alveolar ridge in as few as 2-3 months after a tooth has been extracted. As much as 30% of the bone can be broken down and absorbed back into the body within one year.

For patients who are missing teeth, this often results in a worsening state of cosmetic and oral health. Often, the most notable symptom is a “sunken” appearance, sometimes referred to as a “witch’s chin.” Though this has long been associated with the natural aging process, we now know that prolonged use of dentures or bridges due to missing teeth can lead to bone loss, which is the true culprit of this appearance.

In addition to this issue, patients with missing teeth may lose additional teeth over time as bone resorption leads to periodontal disease (disease of the gums) and further decay. Fortunately, permanent dental implants replicate the function of a real tooth root, allowing the jaw to be nourished and preserved as though the patient still has all their teeth.