If you’ve been living without teeth for several years, you may have noticed changes in the shape of your face or the way your jaw feels. That’s because after teeth are lost, the jawbone gradually begins to shrink through a process called bone resorption. You may feel like this means that replacing your missing teeth with dentures isn’t an option, but the truth is, there is still a path forward to rebuilding your smile! Here’s what you need to know.
Why Does the Jawbone Shrink After Tooth Loss?
When you have your natural teeth, their roots stimulate your jawbone every time you bite or chew. That stimulation signals your body to keep sending nutrients to the area, which maintains your bone density over time.
However, once a tooth is lost or removed, that stimulation stops, and without it, the body begins to reabsorb the bone. The longer the teeth have been missing, the more significant this bone loss tends to be. It can even alter a person’s facial structure to the point where their face appears sunken.
Can I Still Get Dentures with Significant Bone Loss?
Even those who have experienced severe jawbone loss can still be candidates for dentures. Your dentist can assess the current state of your jaw and the amount of bone structure that remains. If there is enough to support a denture, it may be possible to receive a custom-fitted restoration. Just keep in mind that dentures are designed to rest on the gum tissue, so some underlying bone is necessary for a proper fit.
If the loss is more significant, a bone graft may be recommended before moving forward. This is a procedure in which bone material, either from your own body, a donor, or a synthetic source, is placed in the area where bone has been lost. Over time, this material integrates with your existing tissue and helps rebuild the foundation needed to support a restoration.
Are There Other Options for Replacing My Teeth?
Dentures are a tried-and-true form of tooth replacement, and they’ve boosted the quality of life of countless patients with missing teeth. That said, traditional dentures still don’t actually stimulate the jaw the way natural teeth do, meaning that bone resorption can possibly continue in the future.
When it comes to preventing further bone loss, implant dentures are the answer. With this option, strategically-placed dental implants are anchored into the jawbone, and your denture is secured to those implants. Because the implants function like artificial tooth roots, they provide the stimulation the jawbone needs to stay healthy.
If it’s time to replace your missing teeth, don’t wait to schedule a consultation with your dentist. Even if you’ve been without your full smile for a while, options still exist to help you grin with confidence once more!
About the Practice
At Worcester Dental Arts, our team is proud to help patients and families all around Worcester with all of their dental needs. We offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options, including dentures, as well as dental implants. To learn more about your tooth replacement options or to schedule an appointment with us, feel free to reach out online or call today for assistance. Telephone: (508) 793-2114.
