jaw bone loss a result of aging?

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oralhealth@comcast.net - 27 Nov 2008 14:56 GMT

In the edentulous the jaw bone usually shrinks over time. Is it
because of (1) aging, (2) poor nutrition, such as low vit D levels,
smoking, low calcium levels, or (3) lack of teeth.

This shrinking is unpredictable.

Why should it be related to lack of teeth? Should it be related to
lack of PDL? or lack of stimulation? Why will implants help?

Maybe what we call periodontal disease is really a disease of aging
since the jaw bone naturally shrinks with age.

David DiBenedetto, DMD author of "Insider's guide to gum disease,
orthodontics, and dentistry...."

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Steven Bornfeld - 27 Nov 2008 15:31 GMT

> In the edentulous the jaw bone usually shrinks over time. Is it
> because of (1) aging, (2) poor nutrition, such as low vit D levels,
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Why should it be related to lack of teeth? Should it be related to
> lack of PDL? or lack of stimulation? Why will implants help?

The entire field of orthodontics is based on the selective resorption
and deposition of bone by controlled means of applied force through the
PDL. As for implants, I'm not familiar with the science involved. I
know that way back in school the hypothesis was that piezoelectric
effects were involved. However, implants have been around long enough
(to say nothing of experience with root-borne overdentures) to pretty
conclusively demonstrate that (no matter how it happens) functional
stimulation of the alveolar bone is preservative.

Steve

> Maybe what we call periodontal disease is really a disease of aging
> since the jaw bone naturally shrinks with age.
>
> David DiBenedetto, DMD author of "Insider's guide to gum disease,
> orthodontics, and dentistry...."

Reply to this Message