Dentures are the standard solution for rebuilding smiles after tooth loss because of their incredible versatility. Regardless of how many teeth went missing, your dentist can provide a lifelike restoration to replace them, improving your mouth’s appearance and function.
But your jawbone eventually starts to thin after permanent teeth are lost, and if you’re like many others, you might wonder whether your prosthetic can help preserve its strength. But typically, only dental implants can prevent this process of degeneration. Continue reading to learn more about it!
How Does Tooth Loss Affect My Jawbone?
Did you know that the roots of your teeth play an essential role in maintaining your jawbone? Each time you bite down, they stimulate new bone growth that helps keep it active and healthy. You might not realize that when one goes missing, you can potentially lose up to 20% of the surrounding density within the first year.
Eventually, your jaw can become too frail to support your remaining teeth, which can contribute to additional loss.
What’s the Difference Between Dentures and Dental Implants?
Dentures are an effective way to replace some or all of your missing teeth. Regardless of how many fell out, your dentist can provide a lifelike prosthetic to rebuild your arches so that you can eat, speak, and smile more confidently. However, these restorations rely on a firm suction against your connective tissues to remain in place, and can eventually become ill-fitting as your jawbone thins.
Meanwhile, dental implants include a support rod, usually made from durable titanium or zirconia, that’s surgically placed directly into your jaw. It can take several months to recover because your mouth must generate enough new bone to envelop this pole, making it a more permanent part of your mouth. That makes this treatment the only one that functions more like a natural tooth and preserves the foundation of your smile.
Can Dentures Help Protect My Jawbone?
Unfortunately, because dentures rely on a tight bond against the tissues covering the bony ridges in your mouth to remain in place, they place added pressure on your jaw that can potentially accelerate the process of jawbone degeneration.
You may be able to prevent this by asking your dentist about implant dentures. This treatment option involves placing 4 to 8 implants, which can then anchor a lifelike set of specially designed dentures, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of both services.
If you’re unsure whether you’re a good candidate for implant dentures, you can find out by scheduling a consultation with your provider!
About the Practice
Patients at Artistry Smile Center benefit from two dentists who are passionate about helping families in Columbus build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Courtney and Dr. Cox share decades of combined experience, and today, they collaborate to offer a complete menu of services, including dental implant placement and restoration, to meet your unique needs conveniently under one roof. If you want to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (614) 451-7393.