Can Bone Loss Be Corrected in Teeth?

Question

I have bone loss in my lower gums as a result of being on long term steroids and possibly some periodontal problems. This has caused my 5 lower teeth to become loose. Is there a something that can be done to correct the bone loss and tighten the loose teeth?

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

You have stated that you have  a history of periodontal disease and now have only five lower teeth remaining.  With these five teeth being loose the odds are that they will have a poor long term prognosis.  You would probably be well served by having the remaining five teeth extracted and having dental implants.  The  implants could be placed at the time the teeth are extracted.  After 4-6 months of healing you could have a denture made to attach to the implants.  This would give you a stable restoration that you could chew foods comfortably with. I would seek a consultation wit a dentist that specializes in implant dentistry.

Beth Caunitz, DDS · Answer

If the bone loss and resulting loose teeth are the result of high dose steroid treatment Periodontal Surgery may not be for you. The immunosuppresive effects of steroid treatment will likely compromise the surgical result. You may benefit from a more conservative procedure such as scaling and root planing along with frequent visits ( every 3 months) to your dentist for follow up.

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

The short answer is "yes, sometimes".  You would be best served to have a consultation with a periodontist (gum specialist) and see if your situation makes you a candidate for one of the various bone augmentation procedures.

	But more importantly is that before having any treatment you should have a diagnosis to tell you why you lost gum and bone tissue around your teeth?  If it was caused by long term steroids like you say, and you are still using that medication, then even with bone augmentation you might find that the bone loss is uncontrollable. 

	If it was a result of periodontal disease and poor oral hygiene, has your daily regimen of caring for your teeth and gums improved?  Are your gums puffy, red and bleed easily?  Your periodontist would need to make sure that you are delivering optimal oral hygiene at least daily before he/she would do any bone augmentation procedure.

	Another often overlooked cause of bone loss is your bite (occlusion).  If you grind your teeth and/or clench them together with much force, which frequently occurs at night while you're sleeping, this can also cause gum recession and bone loss. 

	If your periodontist feels that the bone around your teeth has already lost too much, then there are other ways of correcting the problem.  He might discuss dental implants or bridges as an alternative to the gum surgery and bone augmentation.

Nick M. Mobilia, DDS · Answer

Bone loss may be corrected with reconstructive periodontal surgery if the periodontal structures surrounding the teeth are healthy.  Bone grafting may be indicated for loose teeth but the teeth would have to be stabilized, often times with a fixed prosthesis if the graft is to be successful.  Bone loss surrounding loose teeth may become more stable once the teeth and disease process is removed.  Then implants can be placed.  If the periodontal structures have minor bone loss, a simple and non-surgical procedure such a scaling may be performed.  Whenever a patient has a periodontal disease, it would be wise to seek the recommendation of a periodontist before initiating treatment.  Good luck with your treatment and let us know how everything works out.

Dan Haas, DDS · Answer

The most common cause of loose teeth is due to bone loss which is most commonly caused by periodontal disease.  Depending on the extent of the bone lost such mobility can be reversed with proper periodontal therapy which might include root planing and laser treatment.  In certain situation regeneration of bone may occur.  The sooner you address such problems the more favourable result you will be able to achieve.

Can Bone Loss Be Corrected in Teeth?

Answers (10)

Answer: Bone Loss Can Be Corrected.....

Answer: Bone Loss Can Be Corrected.....

Answer: Preventing further bone loss and loose teeth.

Answer: Preventing further bone loss and loose teeth.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Bone Graft

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can Bone Loss Be Corrected in Teeth?

Answers (10)

Answer: Bone Loss Can Be Corrected.....

Answer: Bone Loss Can Be Corrected.....

Answer: Preventing further bone loss and loose teeth.

Answer: Preventing further bone loss and loose teeth.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Bone Graft

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.