After doing some research about traditional restorations like dentures and bridges, you’re wondering whether or not they can actually preserve your jaw against bone loss. While these solutions can help improve your chewing and speaking ability by replacing the biting surface of your missing teeth, they aren’t able to replace the roots of those teeth. Why is this so important? Because the roots of your teeth help stimulate your jawbone. Read on to learn more about bone loss and what restoration option is the best for your oral health.
What Causes Bone Deterioration?
If you’re suffering from missing teeth, you’ve probably noticed the impact that it’s having on your day-to-day life. What you’re not able to see is how your jawbone will deteriorate over time. When teeth go missing, the portion of the jaw that is fused with them is no longer being stimulated and will start to erode. This is because your body isn’t using it any longer. The rate at which bone erosion happens differs from patient-to-patient, but the most amount of loss happens within the first 18 months of losing a tooth, and continues to progress over time.
Dentures and Jawbone Loss
Dentures are custom-crafted restorations that replace the visible biting surface of your missing teeth. They offer a variety of benefits like preventing your natural teeth from shifting to fill in the gaps. Because they’re placed on top of the gum line and don’t repair the root of your missing tooth, they aren’t able to stimulate your jawbone and prevent deterioration.
Dentures rely heavily on patient’s gums and bone to keep them in place, and over time, as the jawbone begins to erode, they’ll lose their snug fit. This means that they’ll need to routinely be replaced or refitted as your mouth changes over time. If not, they can cause sores, discomfort, and even oral infections.
Dental Implants Replace The Roots Of Missing Teeth
Dental implants are the most advanced restorative option available to patients. Whether you’re looking to replace a single missing tooth or multiple teeth, they can do the trick. They don’t just replace the biting surface of your tooth, but also the root. Titanium posts called implants are surgically placed in your jaw and naturally fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. On top of the posts, connector pieces called abutments are placed. These are able to securely hold restorations like crowns, bridges, and dentures in place.
Not only does this option have a longer lifespan, but it also offers a variety of additional benefits that allow patients to save time and money in the long run. Some of these advantages include:
- A high success rate of 95 percent.
- Lifespan of over 25 years when they’re properly cared for.
- No special maintenance, just brushing twice each day and flossing daily.
- Dental porcelain is gentle on your gums, allowing your implants to have a natural look and feel.
- Jawbone stimulation prevents bone loss.
- Increased durability and strength because the restorations are anchored to the jaw.
If you’re curious about whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with your dentist. They can answer any questions you may have and help you take the first steps towards improving your oral health and quality of life.
About the Author
Dr. Greg Friedman has been restoring the health and beauty of patients’ smiles since entering private practice in 1990. Since then, he’s kept up-to-date with the latest advancements in his field and utilizes them at Mod Squad Dental. He offers a variety of restorative options so his patients can choose what’s best for them, including dental implants. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit Mod Squad Dental’s website or contact 858-682-2394.
