What does it mean if your dentist says you have bone loss?

If your dentist just said the words "bone loss," you're probably wondering what that means for your teeth. It means there is less bone supporting one or more of your teeth, or possibly a dental implant. Advanced gum disease is one common cause. Bone loss can make teeth loose and may affect which treatments will work for you. Your dental provider can use an exam and X-rays to find the cause and see how much support remains. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• Advanced gum disease can damage the bone that holds your teeth and make them loose. 

• Bone loss can be hard to notice, but a dental exam and X-rays can help find it. 

• Treatment depends on the cause and may include a deep cleaning, surgery or a bone graft. 

• Daily brushing, cleaning between your teeth and regular dental visits can help protect your gums and remaining bone. 

If you're worried about what bone loss means for your smile, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. Your care team can examine your teeth and gums and explain your treatment options. 

What causes dental bone loss? 

Several problems can affect the bone around your teeth or implants. These problems are not all the same, so your dental provider must find the cause before recommending treatment. 

Can gum disease cause bone loss? 

Yes. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) explains that gum disease begins when plaque and bacteria inflame the tissues around your teeth. Without treatment, the infection can reach the supporting bone. Advanced gum disease can damage that bone and cause teeth to loosen or move.¹ 

Some health conditions and habits can raise your risk of gum disease. These include diabetes, smoking, older age, genetics and hormonal changes. However, having one of these risk factors does not mean that you already have bone loss. 

What are signs that you may have bone loss? 

Bone loss can be hard to notice. If it is caused by gum disease, you may have red, swollen or bleeding gums. Your gums may also pull away from your teeth. In more advanced cases, teeth may feel loose or begin to shift. 

These signs do not prove that you have bone loss. Your dental provider will need to examine your mouth and may take X-rays. 

What should your dental provider know about osteoporosis medicine? 

Tell your dental provider if you take medicine to prevent or treat osteoporosis. The American Dental Association (ADA) says some of these medicines are linked to an uncommon but serious problem called medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, or MRONJ. This condition may leave jawbone exposed. 

The risk is low for people taking these medicines for osteoporosis. The ADA also says the benefits of osteoporosis treatment outweigh this low risk. Periodontitis is one factor that may raise the risk, but no test can reliably predict who will develop MRONJ.² 

Do not stop taking osteoporosis medicine on your own. Your dental provider and the doctor who prescribed it can help you make safe treatment decisions. 

How do dental providers check for bone loss? 

Your dental provider will look for swelling, bleeding and gums that have pulled away from your teeth. They may use a small tool to measure the pockets around each tooth. They will also check whether any teeth feel loose or have moved. 

According to the NIDCR, an X-ray can show whether gum disease has caused bone loss. Your dental provider will use the exam and images together to plan your next step.¹ 

Can dental bone loss be treated? 

Treatment depends on what caused the bone loss and where it is located. If gum disease is the cause, your dental provider may begin with scaling and root planing, also called a deep cleaning. Advanced gum disease may require surgery. 

Bone loss can also leave part of the jaw without enough support for an implant. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) explains that a ridge modification procedure can place bone or a bone substitute in that area. The new material helps build up the ridge before an implant is placed.³ 

Can dental bone loss be prevented? 

You cannot prevent every cause of bone loss, but you can lower your risk of gum disease. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth regularly. Avoid tobacco and visit your dental provider for routine exams and cleanings. 

These steps cannot replace bone that is already gone. However, treating gum disease and keeping your mouth clean may help protect the bone that remains. 

If you have bone loss, talk with your dental provider about what may be causing it and how to protect the bone that remains. They can review your gum health, discuss whether you need X-rays and explain your treatment options. 

What does it mean if your dentist says you have bone loss? FAQs 

Still have questions about dental bone loss? Here are a few common concerns. 

Can bone loss happen around a dental implant? 

Yes. The AAP explains that bacteria can collect around an implant and inflame the gums. Peri-implant mucositis affects the gums but does not include bone loss. If the problem reaches the supporting bone, it is called peri-implantitis. Signs may include redness, soreness or bleeding near the implant.⁴ 

Can lost bone grow back on its own? 

Whether bone can heal depends on the cause, location and amount of bone loss. In some cases, a bone graft can help rebuild an area where bone is missing. Your dental provider or a periodontist can tell you whether this treatment may help. 

What happens if bone loss is left untreated? 

If gum disease is causing the bone loss, the damage may continue without treatment. Teeth can become loose, move or eventually need to be removed. Treating the gum disease may help protect the bone that remains. 

Do dental implants replace lost bone? 

No. An implant needs enough jawbone to hold it in place. If your jaw does not have enough bone, your dentist may recommend a bone graft before placing the implant. Implants also need regular care because peri-implantitis can damage their supporting bone. 

Sources 

¹ National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: “Periodontal (Gum) Disease.” https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease 

² American Dental Association: “Osteoporosis Medications and Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw.” https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/osteoporosis-medications 

³ American Academy of Periodontology: “Ridge Modification.” https://www.perio.org/for-patients/periodontal-treatments-and-procedures/dental-implant-procedures/ridge-modification/ 

⁴ American Academy of Periodontology: “Peri-Implant Diseases.” https://www.perio.org/for-patients/periodontal-treatments-and-procedures/dental-implant-procedures/peri-implant-diseases/