In this articleIf you have missing teeth, you may be aware of the unfortunate things that come with them. From jawbone loss to having trouble enjoying your favorite foods, you might look for ways to restore your smile. You may find yourself at a crossroads between traditional dentures and dental implants. They are both great tooth replacement options, but which can help you eat food confidently while avoiding jawbone loss? Read on to learn how dentures and dental implants can do just that!

Why Do Missing Teeth Cause Bone Loss?

You may have heard that missing teeth leads to jawbone loss, but it can leave you wondering why this is the case. The roots of your teeth stimulate your jaw every time you bite and chew. The pressure gets sent down to your jawbone and lets your body know to continue sending nutrients and keep it strong.

Without that stimulation, your body thinks that you aren’t using your jaw anymore. It starts to reabsorb the bone so it can send those nutrients elsewhere. It’s a natural process, but your jaw can shrink and weaken.

Can Dentures Prevent Jawbone Loss?

While dentures cannot fully prevent jawbone loss, they can slow down its progression. Consistency when wearing the prosthetic and ensuring the fit is good will apply pressure to your gums and jawbone. While not as effective as natural teeth, your body can still tell that you are using your jaw and send the necessary nutrients. Since that direct pressure isn’t present, you may still experience jawbone loss after some time.

Additionally, the fit of your dentures can alter as your facial structure changes due to jawbone resorption. If the prosthetic is loose, you may not get the stimulation you need. It can create a continuous cycle of needing to get your dentures refitted to slow down jawbone loss.

Can Dental Implants Prevent Jawbone Loss?

On the other end of the spectrum, a dental implant post is placed and fused to your jawbone. This acts just like your natural tooth root, so the stimulation gets sent directly to your jaw! Better yet, this tooth replacement option is versatile, as you can restore one or multiple teeth. If you are missing all your teeth in a dental arch, you can even consider implant dentures, which give you the same benefits as dentures while being more stable.

That being said, not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants right away. Having enough jawbone density is important, as the tooth replacement needs your jaw’s support to be as reliable as it is known to be. There is a treatment that can help rebuild your jaw, known as a bone graft, which will set you up for success.

Another option is all-on-4 dental implants, which use naturally strong areas of your jaw to support the restoration. Often, those who aren’t good candidates for traditional dental implants can find help with this treatment. However, tried-and-true dentures are never a bad alternative. Just be sure to wear them diligently. Regardless of the option you choose to restore your missing teeth, you can smile more confidently with a complete smile.

About the Author

Dr. Dean Hutto is a proud graduate of the Hornbrook Group and Misch International Implant Institute. He understands the importance of replacing missing teeth, so he is happy to offer dental implants as a way to restore any number of teeth you need. For your convenience, the entire process is done in-house. That means you’ll stick with someone you trust throughout your tooth replacement journey. If you want to restore your missing teeth, schedule an appointment or call us at (281) 422-8248., we will discuss…