Slow Down Bone Loss After Tooth Extraction

Gum disease, severe fracture, decay, and dental crowding are some of the reasons a dentist might recommend a tooth extraction. The process involves removing one or several teeth under local or intravenous anesthesia.

Unfortunately, tooth extractions can lead to the gradual loss of alveolar bone or resorption. Eventually, the irreversible process weakens the jawbone, causing destabilization of adjacent teeth, sinus expansion, headaches, and even premature wrinkles around the mouth.

Some patients believe that few resources are available to them to slow down the natural process. However, plenty of mitigation measures exist regarding alveolar bone loss.

Read on to learn about the four ways to slow bone loss after tooth extraction.

1. Dental Implants

Resorption occurs after tooth extraction because the affected area does not receive stimuli to keep the bone strong. Due to this, degradation ensues since the body does not consider rebuilding the tissue a priority. Although new bone still forms, the rate is much slower than alveolar breakdown.

Dental implants slow down the deterioration of the alveolar bone by tricking the body. Once placed, the titanium metal gradually fuses with surrounding tissue and becomes part of the jaw structure. Consequently, dental implants restore normal bone use during chewing and biting, which stimulates bone rebuilding.

2. Guided Bone Regeneration

The alveolar bone can lose 50% of its width within the first year after extraction. Subsequently, the surrounding tissue begins to shrink and recede, resulting in unsightly defects. Therefore, preventing resorption immediately after tooth removal is critical to prevent irreversible implications. Guided bone generation guarantees fast healing and slows bone loss.

Dentists fill a tooth socket with bone graft material and then cover it with gum or an artificial membrane during the procedure. The process encourages a tooth socket to repair naturally, reducing the risk of shrinkage and collapse of adjacent tissue.

3. Quality Oral Hygiene

Although bone loss after a tooth extraction is a natural process, an oral hygiene routine plays a significant role. Studies indicate that resorption can commence in as little as 12 weeks, and the rate increases gradually in subsequent months. Poor oral hygiene promotes dental plaque buildup on the alveolar bone, and the toxins from the bacteria accelerate tissue deterioration.

Therefore, maintaining quality oral hygiene reduces the rate of alveolar bone loss. For instance, regular brushing and flossing eliminate food particles from a healing tooth socket. As a result, plaque does not accumulate on the bone, which prevents the risk of contracting periodontal disease. Besides a standard oral hygiene routine, visit your dentist regularly for examinations.

4. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Poor health habits, including smoking and alcohol consumption, can increase the rate of jawbone loss. In particular, consuming alcohol immediately after tooth extraction allows the acidic and sugar contents to enter the socket and gradually erode the bone. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle after the dental procedure to slow down the resorption rate.

A healthy balanced diet that consists of macronutrients and micronutrients can reduce the resorption rate by giving the body the building blocks of bone generation. Therefore, take the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for calcium and vitamin D since they are critical to maintaining bone mineral density (BMD) and general bone health. Dietary supplements are particularly essential for older adults since they are susceptible to age-related bone loss. You might need to consult a nutritionist to ensure you get the right amount of nutrients required to maintain BMD in the alveolar bone.

Jawbone loss after a tooth extraction is a natural process with severe complications, including shifty teeth, headaches, and sinus issues. Contact us for expert advice on ways to slow down the resorption rate and enjoy optimal dental health.