Tooth loss is a lot more common than you may think. The good news is that just because you are missing teeth doesn’t mean that you need to show off gaps in your smile. There are various tooth replacement options out there to help restore the appearance and function of your smile. Dentures are popular because they are cost-effective and replace many teeth at one. However, can they prevent bone loss associated with missing teeth? Read on to learn more about bone loss, why it occurs, and how dentures impact it.
Why Does Bone Loss Happen?
When you chew your food, you are stimulating your jawbone via the tooth roots. This allows it to remain strong and healthy. However, if you have a missing tooth, that area of the jaw isn’t being stimulated by routine biting and chewing. Ultimately, you could end up with physical signs, like sunk cheeks and wrinkles lips, making you appear much older.
Can Dentures Prevent Bone Loss?
Dentures are very common for replacing missing teeth, and they are lifechanging for those who have lost most of or all of their teeth. Traditional dentures are held in by the natural suction of the mouth and restore the appearance and function of the teeth. 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 time, the implant will fuse with the jawbone in a process called “osseointegration.” A customized crown, bridge, or denture is placed on the implant or implants. Here are just some of the exciting benefits that they offer.
- Stability: Dental implants restore up to 90% of your chewing power, so you don’t have to worry about cutting out any of your favorite foods once that have completely healed.
- Long-Lasting: Traditional dentures need to be repaired and replaced periodically. On the other hand, dental implants can last upwards of three decades.
- Jawbone Preservation: Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants replace the roots of the missing teeth, stimulating the jawbone. This keeps the bone from being reabsorbed by the body over time.
Traditional dentures are ideal for many people, but they can’t preserve your jaw. Talk to your dentist to see if you’d make a good candidate for dental implants. It may be the solution that’s right for you!
About the Practice
At Soleil Dental, Dr. Diana Vazquez and Dr. Jose Aldana work together to treat patients in the Dallas area. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof! To learn more about implant dentures or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (214) 304-2112.