If you’ve been missing teeth for several years, you may have been told (or maybe you’ve assumed) that your jawbone has changed too much for a tooth replacement like dentures to be a viable option. The jawbone indeed begins to shrink after teeth fall out, but that doesn’t automatically close the door on rebuilding your smile. Here’s a closer look at what happens to the jaw following tooth loss, and why dentures, as well as dental implants, can often still help.
What Changes in the Jaw After Tooth Loss?
Your teeth do much more than help you chew; they also stimulate your jawbone every time you bite down, which signals your body to keep that bone strong and healthy. When teeth are removed, that stimulation disappears, and the bone in that area gradually begins to shrink.
The longer you go without teeth, the more noticeable this can become, and over time, this bone loss can even change the shape of your jaw, alter the contours of your face, and make dentures feel loose or uncomfortable to wear.
Can You Get Dentures with Jawbone Loss?
Many patients over the years have relied on dentures to replace their teeth, and in many cases, having less bone doesn’t mean you can’t wear dentures. Since dentures are fully customizable, they can be crafted (and adjusted over time) to fit the current shape of your jaw and gums.
However, for patients with more significant bone loss, a bone graft might be needed. This procedure is designed to add bone material to areas of the jaw that have thinned, helping rebuild volume and creating a stronger foundation. This is also often done in preparation for dental implant placement, which relies on adequate jawbone density to provide a permanent support system for the replacement teeth.
Do Dental Implants Prevent Further Bone Loss?
Implant-supported dentures, which combine the practicality of traditional dentures with the permanence and durability of dental implants, aren’t just for show. These implant posts are placed directly into the jawbone, like the roots of natural teeth.
This means they stimulate the jawbone just like natural tooth roots do—and thereby prevent the shrinkage and resorption that occur due to missing teeth. Combine this with the added stability when eating and speaking, along with the confidence of teeth that stay put, and it’s easy to see why dental implants are becoming more and more popular and are frequently joined with dentures.
It’s true that jawbone loss can complicate tooth replacement, but it doesn’t make it impossible. If you’ve been hesitant to rebuild your smile for a while now, your best bet is scheduling a consultation and seeing how dentures or dental implants can help you live your best life again.
About the Practice
With Dr. Tricia Mockler leading our team, we proudly serve patients and families across Campbell and the surrounding communities. We offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options, including various types of dentures for those with missing teeth. We also offer dental implants. If you have any questions or you’re interested in scheduling an appointment for yourself or a family member, you can call or reach out online for more information or assistance. Telephone: (408) 871-0877.