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Do Dentures Prevent Jawbone Loss?

October 13, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drnguyen @ 4:49 pm
woman biting into red apple

Are you one of the 40 million Americans who have lost all of their upper and/or lower teeth? If so, you’d probably like to replace your missing teeth as soon as possible. After all, you’d love to chow down on your favorite foods and stop feeling embarrassed of your smile. Another consequence of tooth loss that you may not have considered is bone deterioration in the jaw. Can dentures prevent this jawbone loss from occurring? Read on to find out!

Why Does Jawbone Loss Occur After Tooth Loss?

The force from biting or chewing food travels through the roots of the teeth and into the underlying jawbone, keeping it strong and healthy. When a tooth is lost, though, that section of the bone loses that stimulation, causing the body to start resorbing the bone. Eventually, that area of the jawbone may be unable to support the teeth that remain. This is why the risk of additional tooth loss increases over time if the teeth aren’t replaced.

Jawbone loss also causes the tissues in the face to lose support. People who have been without teeth for several years often have sunken-in cheeks as well as wrinkles around the mouth, making them look significantly older than they actually are.

Can Dentures Prevent the Jawbone from Shrinking?

Today’s dentures are much more lifelike and secure than they were just a few decades ago. However, there merely sit on top of the gums. They don’t replace the roots of the teeth, meaning that they will not prevent jawbone loss. In fact, some research suggests that dentures can even speed up the rate of jawbone shrinkage after tooth loss!

Currently, there is only one method of tooth replacement that preserves the jawbone: dental implants.

Why Dental Implants Are the Best Tooth Replacement

Instead of merely replacing the parts of the teeth that you can see, dental implants go one step further. These small titanium rods are placed below the gumline and directly into the jaw. Titanium is actually biocompatible, which means the jawbone naturally begins to grow attached to them. After a few months, the posts are just as embedded as the roots of your original teeth. Then, a customized denture (or crown or bridge, depending on the number of missing teeth) is secured on top of the implants to complete the visual portion of your smile.

Unlike traditional dentures, implant dentures are able to look, feel, and function exactly the same as your natural pearly whites. They’ll always stay in place no matter what foods you’re chewing, and you’ll never need to worry about your teeth slipping. They can also last for 30+ years, which is several times longer than the average denture. Plus, since the implants strengthen your jawbone, you’ll be able to enjoy a youthful glow for decades to come!

Dentures can be a great option to replace a full row of missing teeth. However, if you want a longer-lasting and more reliable solution that also keeps your jawbone healthy, ask your dentist if dental implants are right for you!

About the Practice

At Murphy Family Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Najari are proud to serve families in the Murphy, TX community with a variety of top-quality dental services under one roof. This includes custom-made dentures and even in-house dental implant placement for maximum convenience. If you’d like to find out whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, you can reach out to their dental office by visiting their website or calling (972) 516-2928.

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