If you have gum disease, you probably already know that it can cause issues such as loose and missing teeth. But, for many people, the idea that gum disease could eventually lead to a change in the structure of their jawbone is both surprising and sobering. It's true: if you have gum disease, you could eventually experience a process known as bone resorption. Here are some things you need to know about this condition.
Your Bones Are Constantly in a State of Flux
You already know that your muscles will constantly change in response to environmental stimuli. If you use them more, they grow in size. On the other hand, if you use them less, they will shrink and grow weak. Your bones are much the same way. Your body will continually add to (or take away) bone material depending on the demands being placed on that particular bone. This helps the body to be strong enough to meet the demands of the environment without wasting unnecessary material on bones that are stronger than they need to be.
Gum Disease and Bone Resorption
If you lose your teeth due to gum disease, you will likely end up getting dentures. Depending on a number of factors, the bone under your gum tissue could end up decreasing in volume and strength. This, in turn, can lead to changes in your appearance, such as the ™sunken™ look that many elderly denture wearers have. Although there are ways to combat this, the best way is to not lose your teeth in the first place. Because of this, it is best to avoid the need for dentures if you can. If you have gum disease, you need to be aware that it can usually be successfully treated. The first thing to do is contact us and let us help put together a treatment plan. That way bone resorption will not be in your future.
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Dental Blog | Tania Tran, DMD - Grove Street Family Dentistry Dr. Tania Tran has provided this educational blog as a resource for the community. We hope that this blog will cover subjects you may be interested in. Call us! Grove Street Family Dentistry - Tania Tran, DMD, 1533 Grove Street, Marysville, WA 98270-4325, (360) 659-3200, grovestreetdentist.com, 3/25/2025, Associated Words: dentist,
If you have gum disease, you probably already know that it can cause issues such as loose and missing teeth. But, for many people, the idea that gum disease could eventually lead to a change in the structure of their jawbone is both surprising and sobering. 