From Resorption to Regrowth: How Long Does New Bone Take to Form?

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.

What Causes Dental Bone Loss?

The leading causes of dental bone loss include dental infections and trauma:

• Gum infections: Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gum tissue. Without treatment, this bacterial infection will cause gum and bone recession, resulting in loose teeth and tooth loss. Gum disease is the leading cause of bone and tooth loss.
• Tooth infections: When bacteria enter the nerve of a tooth (the pulp), the tooth becomes infected. The bacteria damage the bone structure around the apex (tip) of the roots.
• Trauma: When a tooth is knocked out or broken, bone stimulation stops. The resulting tissue deterioration then causes bone loss.

Other factors that can lead to dental bone loss include:

• Malocclusion
• Non-dental infections
• Congenital disabilities
• Smoking
• Certain prescription drugs (like bisphosphonates)
• Tumors
• Osteoporosis
• Paget’s disease of bone (PDB)

The Science Behind New Bone Growth

To stimulate new bone growth, we need to focus on two important types of cells:

• Osteoblasts: Also called osteogenic cells, osteoblasts help build new bone. They also strengthen existing bone structures, reshape or remodel bones to help them change as we age, and heal damaged or broken bones.
• Osteoclasts: Osteoclasts are cells that release enzymes that break down damaged or old bone cells. They are like a demolition and clean-up crew that allows the construction crew (the osteoblasts) to build new bone.

Factors That Influence the Rate of New Bone Formation

What impacts how well the osteoblasts and osteoclasts can do their jobs? Here are a few factors to consider:

The Age and Overall Health of a Patient

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.

Extent/Complexity of the Injury or Procedure

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.

Adequate Blood Supply and Nutrition

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.

Procedures That Can Help Stimulate New Bone Growth

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 Implant Placement

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

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.

Estimated Bone Formation Time Frames

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:

• Post-extraction healing: Three to four weeks for initial healing; eight months for the new bone to mesh with the existing bone
• Periodontal bone regeneration procedure: Three to nine months
• Osseointegration of dental implants: Three to six months, sometimes longer

How You Can Promote Optimal Bone Health

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 Practices

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.

Avoiding Smoking

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.

Reducing Alcohol Consumption

Overdrinking can result in decreased bone density. Alcohol can negatively impact cells, hormones, and growth factors that regulate bone healing and regeneration.

Regular Cleanings and Check-Ups

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.

Building a Solid Foundation: Keys to Successful New Bone Growth

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.