Bone Loss After Tooth Loss: What Really Happens in Your Jaw
When you lose a tooth, the gap in your smile isn’t the only thing you need to think about. Many people don’t realize that losing a tooth can also lead to bone loss in the jaw — and that can affect your health, your appearance, and your options for future dental treatment.
Why Does Bone Loss Happen?
Your teeth do more than just help you chew — they also keep your jawbone strong. Every time you bite and chew, the roots of your teeth stimulate the bone underneath, keeping it active and healthy.
When a tooth is lost and the root is gone, that stimulation disappears. Over time, the bone starts to shrink and weaken in the area where the tooth used to be. This process is called bone resorption, and it can start soon after losing a tooth.
What Are the Signs of Bone Loss?
Bone loss isn’t something you can see right away, but it can have noticeable effects over time. You might notice:
- Changes in your facial shape, such as a sunken or aged appearance
- Loose or shifting nearby teeth
- Dentures that don’t fit as well as they used to
- Difficulty eating or speaking comfortably
Why It Matters for Implants
Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth — but they rely on healthy jawbone for support. If bone loss has already occurred, you may need a bone graft to rebuild the area and create a strong foundation for the implant.
The sooner you address a missing tooth, the better your chances of avoiding extra procedures down the road.
How to Prevent Bone Loss
The best way to prevent bone loss is to replace missing teeth as soon as possible. Dental implants are especially effective because they act like natural roots, stimulating the jawbone to keep it healthy.
If you’ve been living with missing teeth for a while, you still have options. Dr. Pollock can assess your jawbone and talk with you about whether bone grafting or other treatments could help rebuild what’s been lost.
Take Action to Protect Your Smile
Tooth loss doesn’t have to mean bone loss. The sooner you understand what’s happening beneath the surface, the more options you’ll have to keep your smile strong and healthy.
If you’re missing teeth — or have questions about dental implants or bone grafting — call Rockwall Oral Surgery at (469) 757-4433 or reach out here to schedule a consultation.
