The process of bone formation is called bone ossification or osteogenesis. Osteogenesis begins during the sixth and seventh weeks of a person’s development in the womb and continues until age 25.
As we age, we can lose bone, including the alveolar, maxilla, and mandible bones.
The maxilla and mandible are the upper and lower jawbones, respectively. The alveolar bone is a thick ridge of bone that’s located in the jawbones. This ridge contains tooth sockets, which surround the roots of the teeth.
The leading causes of dental bone loss include dental infections and trauma:
Other factors that can lead to dental bone loss include:
To stimulate new bone growth, we need to focus on two important types of cells:
What impacts how well the osteoblasts and osteoclasts can do their jobs? Here are a few factors to consider:
People who are older or in poor health have reduced bone regeneration potential. Therefore, if they attempt a bone regeneration procedure, they might have reduced chances of success, slower healing time, and slower overall regeneration time.
Severe trauma or infection will slow the time it takes for bone to regenerate. The body has to heal from the trauma once the diseased tissue is removed before bone growth can occur.
When our Renovo endodontic team evaluates whether a person is a good candidate for bone regrowth procedures, one thing we look at is blood supply and nutrition. Blood and nutrients are necessary to sustain regrowth and maintain healthy bone.
Bone regeneration is important for all patients because it strengthens the jawbone and supports the remaining teeth. Even patients who have lost all their teeth should be interested in the density of their jawbone because healthy bones better support their dentures.
The following procedures can help stimulate new bone growth:
Dental implants are a great way to replace a missing tooth (or multiple missing teeth). The implant screw acts like the root of a tooth, and the screw and bone integrate so that the implant is just as strong as a natural tooth.
Bone grafting is when artificial bone or bone from another part of the body is placed in the mouth. This is an ideal procedure for patients who want implants but don’t have enough bone structure to support the implant.
Once the implant is placed, the implant supports the bone graft and the new bone growth, just like the roots of the natural teeth.
As mentioned, how quickly a person heals after a bone-regenerating procedure depends on several factors. However, we can estimate a general idea of how long it may take:
Your Renovo team can help start your journey toward new bone regrowth. Still, you’ll need to regularly maintain good health and optimal oral health to encourage bone regeneration for a successful outcome. Some methods include:
Good oral hygiene is essential to maintaining bone health. Daily home care practices help reduce your risk of developing gum disease and the decay that contributes to tooth infections.
Smoking can increase a person’s risk for weak bones because it negatively impacts the body’s ability to absorb vital minerals (like calcium), causing lower bone density. Additionally, nicotine slows the production of bone-forming cells. The result: Slowed healing and the potential failure of bone regrowth procedures.
Overdrinking can result in decreased bone density. Alcohol can negatively impact cells, hormones, and growth factors that regulate bone healing and regeneration.
Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleanings is integral to dental hygiene. During each visit, your dentist will evaluate your bone health, ensuring any procedures you’ve had are healing successfully. They’ll also be able to catch potential issues—like gum disease or decay—early. Treating dental diseases in the early stages will help ensure optimal bone health.
Bone regrowth is a remarkable process that is a testament to the body’s incredible healing ability. By following the guidance of our Renovo dental professionals and maintaining good oral hygiene practices, you can support the process of new bone formation.
Connect with Renovo Endodontic Studio’s team of compassionate endodontists committed to delivering the highest level of care. Request a consultation today.