What You Need to Know Regarding Dental Bone Loss

Your body has an amazing ability to help itself. It can slow your metabolism when you’re cold to conserve heat and energy and pull energy from muscle and fat to prevent you from starving. However, somebody’s processes, though well-intentioned, may have unwanted consequences. These include your body’s ability to reabsorb bone, which we call bone loss. Your dentist in Akron, OH, can tell you more about it.

Why Your Body Reabsorbs Bone

The process of resorption happens because your body is constantly remodeling its skeletal system, taking bone away from areas where it appears unneeded and building bone up in other areas where necessary. How does it know where and when to reabsorb bone? Cells called osteoclasts target bones that are old or damaged in an effort to make way for newer, healthier material.

When you lose a permanent tooth or have one extracted, your dentist must put something in its place. Otherwise, your body will target that area, identifying the bone as no longer needed. Over time, it will begin to reabsorb that area of your jawbone.

Symptoms of Dental Bone Loss

Dental bone loss happens because there’s no longer a tooth present to put pressure on the bone. When your body begins removing that segment of jawbone, you’ll notice symptoms that include:

• Excessive wrinkles around your mouth
• Changes in your bite
• Changes in the way you speak
• Jaw or facial pain
• Changes in facial structure

Dental bone loss can make you appear older than your age because it causes so many changes to take place that impact your smile and how your mouth and teeth function.

How to Prevent the Onset of Dental Bone Loss

Keeping regular appointments with your dental professional is the best way to ensure your mouth, teeth, gums, and jawbone stay healthy. Marino Dental on Darrow is your go-to option for preventing dental bone loss in Akron, OH. By scheduling an initial consultation with one of our experienced and friendly professionals, you’ll be on your way to a healthier, more beautiful smile, regardless of your previous dental history. Call today to learn more about treatment options for the symptoms of dental bone loss.