If you have suffered from significant tooth loss, you know how difficult it is to complete daily tasks when you have gaps in your smile. Things like chewing your food, speaking clearly, and smiling with confidence are made challenging. The good news is that there are various tooth replacement options out there to complete your smile, but it’s important to consider their pros and cons. One important factor is whether or not your replacement teeth prevent bone loss. Here’s what you should know about dentures and bone loss!
Why Does Bone Loss Happen?
When you chew your food, you are stimulating your jawbone with the roots of your teeth. This allows it to remain strong and healthy. However, if you have a missing tooth, that area of the jawbone is no longer being stimulated with routine chewing and biting, so your body will end up reabsorbing it over time. Ultimately, you could end up with physical signs, like sunken cheeks and wrinkled lips, making you appear much older than you actually are.
Can Dentures Prevent Bone Loss?
Dentures are a very common option for replacing missing teeth, and they are lifechanging for those who have suffered from significant tooth loss. However, this type of denture doesn’t prevent bone loss because they don’t replace the roots of the missing teeth. Instead, they sit on top of the gums and don’t stimulate the jawbone.
How Do Implant Dentures Work?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace the roots of the missing teeth. Over the healing process, the implants fuse to the jawbone in a process called “osteointegration.” A customized crown, bridge, or denture is placed on the implant or implants. Here are some of their notable benefits.
- Stability: Implants can restore up to 90% of your chewing power, so you don’t need to worry about eliminating any of your favorite foods from your diet after they completely heal.
- Long-Lasting: Traditional dentures need to be repaired and replaced periodically. On the other hand, implants can last upward of three decades when cared for properly.
- Jawbone Preservation: Unlike traditional dentures, implants replace the roots of the missing teeth and stimulate the jawbone. This keeps the jawbone from being reabsorbed by the body over time.
Traditional dentures are a great option for many people, but they can’t preserve your jawbone. Talk to your dentist to see if you’d be a good candidate for dental implants. It might be the perfect tooth replacement solution for you.
About the Author
Dr. Phillip Sehnert earned his dental doctorate from the Baylor College of Dentistry, graduating in the top 10% of his class. Currently, he is a proud member of numerous professional dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and the American College of Dentists. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (972) 420-0042.