Avoiding Bone Loss After a Tooth Extraction

If you have a tooth extracted and have no plan for replacing it, bone loss will occur over time. Bone loss happens when the bone recedes, or remodels, after an extraction. Dental implants can help you avoid bone loss and should be performed as soon after the extraction as possible.

What Is Bone Loss?

The chewing motion and pressure caused by teeth as they break apart food “exercises” the jawbone. It keeps the bone beneath your tooth healthy, active, and well-formed. Once a permanent tooth is extracted, however, there’s no longer anything holding the bone in place. this area of bone will then begin to recede over time. We call this bone loss, and the longer it’s left untreated, the more damage it may cause.

How to Prevent Bone Loss?

The best way to prevent bone loss is to take good care of your teeth and gums. If you never need to have a tooth extracted, you won’t have to think about how to keep the bone beneath it from receding. In the event you do end up needing to have a tooth pulled, either due to cavities or trauma, you’ll need a plan to replace it with something such as a dental implant to keep the bone healthy.

What Are the Dangers of Untreated Bone Loss

The dangers of ignoring bone loss after tooth extraction are relatively serious. Left untreated, this type of bone loss can cause changes to the structure of your face, making you appear much older than you are. Also, the longer the bone loss is left to deteriorate, the more difficult it will be for your dental professional to fix the problem. If you lose too much bone, dental implants won’t be possible. Instead, you may need a bone graft to correct the problem. Bone grafts are typically an expensive fix that is more invasive than a simple implant procedure.

If you’re struggling with bone loss following tooth extraction in the Brookeland, TX area, contact Rayburn General Dentistry. We have solutions to correct bone loss. Call today to schedule an initial consultation to discuss the options available.