When it comes to replacing missing teeth, few solutions are as iconic as dentures. These tried-and-true restorations have assisted countless patients with missing teeth—plus, they look incredibly lifelike and work quite well! That said, some patients wonder if they’re still eligible for dentures if they’ve been missing their teeth for quite some time. Continue reading below to learn more about why dentures might still be an effective solution, even for patients who have suffered bone loss in their jawbone due to missing teeth.
What Happens After Tooth Loss?
Tooth loss doesn’t just impact the beauty of your smile—it also affects your jaw’s overall functionality and structure! When you’re missing teeth, believe it or not, your jawbone begins to shrink and become weaker. This happens due to the lack of natural stimulation being provided; without your tooth roots anchoring your teeth to your jaw, it doesn’t receive the healthy pressure it needs to continue growing. This leads to bone resorption, resulting in facial collapse, additional missing teeth, and other issues. Needless to say, over time, this issue only worsens until the teeth are properly replaced!
How Do Dentures Assist Patients with Missing Teeth?
As foreboding as bone resorption seems, it doesn’t disqualify a patient from receiving restorative dentistry—in fact, it helps to guide the process! A good tooth-restoration solution shouldn’t just replace teeth but should also replace the stimulation provided by natural teeth, to keep the jaw healthy and strong.
If dentures are worn correctly, patients shouldn’t experience bone loss—in fact, dentures can actually prevent it to a certain degree since they provide some stimulation to the gums and jawbone. That said, this level of stimulation isn’t always enough. Implant-supported dentures are often able to cover this, since they rely on dental implant posts secured to the jaw for unparalleled support. However, to receive dental implants, a patient’s jaw must have enough density, and sometimes a preliminary bone graft might be required.
In any case, ill-fitting dentures will do no favors for a patient, so if you wear dentures or are interested in receiving them, it’s in your best interest to ensure that they fit snugly so that you’re less likely to encounter further bone resorption!
About the Practice
Our team here at Super Dental of Fitchburg has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in the Fitchburg, MA community for several years! We’re excited to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options, including dentures. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up a visit for yourself or someone you know, feel free to call our team today or visit us online for additional information! Telephone: (978) 216-1515.