Dentures are one of the most common solutions for restoring lost teeth. But you may be thinking, I’ve been missing my teeth for months or even years – is it even possible to replace them at this point? You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is indeed feasible, although certain factors will come into play. In this article, you’ll find out why it might not be too late for you to restore your smile and functionality.
Bone Loss
Before you can get dentures, your dentist will need to determine if there is sufficient, healthy jawbone to support them.
Jawbone loss, or resorption, occurs when teeth are removed. When there is no stimulation from the tooth root, the jawbone will not grow – it’s the old cliché of “use it or lose it.” The longer the teeth have been out, the more time the body has had to break down the bone tissue, potentially weakening the foundation for an artificial replacement.
Resorption becomes a problem because of the difficulty fitting dentures onto your gums once the bone has shrunk and changed shape.
How Dentures Work
Unlike dental implants or implant dentures, traditional dentures don’t need a strong jawbone to support them; they’re held in place by suction against the gums and palate.
Dentures also have a chance of stimulating bone growth in your jaw, though it’s not guaranteed. The act of eating and speaking can spark nutrient flow to the bones and gums by applying pressure to them. Again, this isn’t a given because of the lack of a root.
How to Solve Bone Loss
If your jawbone has shrunk too much, there is treatment available to increase its strength.
A bone graft is a treatment in which a dentist transplants bone tissue from another area of your body or an artificial material into the jawbone to improve mass, density, and structure. Once you have a strong jawbone, you’re ready to be outfitted with a restoration!
Options Available with Strong Support
Having a healthy jawbone gives you a few options to work with that otherwise would not be available to you:
- Implant dentures: Implant dentures are supported by more than just suction; this procedure involves strategically placing a titanium post into your jawbone to hold the denture in place, giving the patient a sturdier, more stable feeling fit.
- Dental Implants: There are several options when it comes to dental implants, especially if you have some remaining teeth. If you’re considering partial dentures, chances are good that you have several consecutive teeth missing. In this case, a dental bridge can span that gap. A bridge is a set of multiple artificial crowns that are held in place by connections to two implants on either side of a gap. They look and act just as natural teeth!
No matter how long you’ve gone without restoration, talk to your dentist – they can assess the strength of your jawbone and determine the best path moving forward.
About the Author
Dr. Rodney L. Allen has been serving the Parker community for 20 years, providing exceptional, personalized care to his patients. In addition to graduating from the Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Allen has participated in a number of continuing education programs, including Nobel Biocare courses in implant dentistry and classes at Spear Education. If you’re seeking a consultation for dentures or possible implants, Dr. Allen and his team can handle all your questions and concerns. Give them a call at (720) 851-6784 or visit their website to schedule an appointment.