If you’ve had gaps in your smile for quite a while now, odds are you’ve experienced some jawbone loss. Don’t panic, though! This doesn’t mean you won’t be able to receive tooth replacement options like dentures. In fact, dentures can help slow down further bone loss and maintain your natural facial structure for longer. To learn whether dentures are right for you, keep reading.
How Jawbone Loss Happens
Not many people know this, but your dental roots provide essential stimulation and circulation for your jawbone. When you bite down, pressure gets transferred from your tooth all the way to your jaw, signaling to your body that the bone still needs vitamins and minerals so it can grow and continue to be of use. If you lose a tooth and its roots, there isn’t a way for the bite pressure to reach your jawbone, and over time, it will start to deteriorate.
Why Dentures Could Still Be a Good Option
Even if you have experienced jawbone loss, dentures could still be a good option for your smile. Since they rest on your gums, dentures don’t require as much jawbone mass as other restorations (like dental implants). So it’s still worth discussing the possibility of dentures with your dentist!
Receiving dentures sooner than later could actually help preserve your jawbone’s mass. They can’t replace dental roots the way that dental implants can, but dentures do transfer some bite pressure to the bone, significantly slowing the deterioration process.
Combining Your Dentures with Dental Implants
If you’d like to prevent jawbone loss completely, there are other options available to you! As hinted earlier, dental implants do replace dental roots, and are able to encourage your jawbone by fusing with it entirely. Basically, getting dental implants or combining them with your dentures can be even better for your jawbone health than dentures alone. Your dentist may even be able to perform a bone graft if you need more bone mass in order to effectively support dental implants.
Talk to Your Dentist
To know for sure whether dentures (or dental implants) are right for you and your smile, it’s best to talk to your dentist. After a thorough oral examination, they’ll be able to tell you which options are realistic and whether you’ll need preliminary treatments like a bone graft. With their guidance, you can restore your jawbone and oral health!
About the Author
Dr. Beverly Rose earned her doctorate in dental medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Since graduating, she’s also completed numerous advanced training courses with prestigious organizations like the Las Vegas Institute. If you’re interested in dentures or dental implants, Dr. Rose is well-qualified to help make sure they work well and look stunning. To contact her office, call 321-259-4666.