Dentures are great tools for replacing missing teeth and getting your smile back, but do they also prevent bone loss? When considering your dentistry prosthetic options, it is crucial to consider your overall oral health to help you make the right choice.
At Shreve Denture Clinic in Leamington, Ontario, we pride ourselves on finding the best solutions for our clients- no matter what stage they are in with their dental health and tooth loss. Whether you are already wearing dentures or are considering them as a possible option, we are happy to help you get the information and professional assistance you need.
Here is some insight into the impact dentures can have on your jawbone- and what you can do to keep your smile happy and healthy.
Understanding the Tooth Loss and Bone Loss Connection
One of the most prominent problems people face after tooth loss or extraction is degradation in their jawbones. It is stimulated when we chew through pressure from our natural tooth roots. When the jawbone loses this stimulus, it loses its purpose and begins to dissolve.
Even after a tooth is removed, these roots are still important to keep the jaw in action. When teeth are gone, there is nothing to stimulate the roots and, therefore, the jaw, which leads to bone shrinkage.
A tooth replacement can stop bone loss from happening by replacing the natural stimulation lost with the tooth. Dentures are not a cure for bone loss, but they do make a difference.
Do Dentures Help Prevent Bone Loss?
In short, traditional dentures don’t prevent jawbone shrinkage if they do not fit properly. If, however, you have a surgically implanted tooth replacement or a well-fitted partial or full denture, bone loss can be minimized.
The Importance of Denture Fit for Your Jawbone
Improper fit is as bad as having no dentures at all, as far as your jawbone is concerned. Poorly fitting dentures cause discomfort and irritate gum tissue. More than that, they can also cause you to lose bone mass in your jaw because they block the tooth roots rather than stimulate them.
When dentures fit properly, they act as functional tooth replacements in more ways than one. Crucially, they put the necessary pressure on the natural roots to help keep the jaw bone active so that it doesn’t shrink.
How Oral Health Impacts Your Dental Implant and Jaw
Denture wearers must maintain good oral hygiene to get the most out of their prosthetics. Gums can easily become sore, inflamed, or even infected beneath dentures if they are not cared for properly. As a result, the bone tissue can weaken and shrink faster.
It is never a good idea to ignore signs of discomfort. Gums change shape, and changes in your health and lifestyle can also impact how your dentures feel. Even if you take great care of your dentures, you still need to see a specialist regularly to monitor the fit, functionality, and efficiency of your prosthetic.
Do Dentures Completely Stop Bone Loss?
It is important to note that wearing dentures will not stop bone loss entirely. Over time, denture wearers are likely to experience some deterioration in their jawbone since there is not the same level of stimulation provided by natural teeth.
That said, being proactive and attentive in how you wear and care for your dentures can significantly slow the process.
Will Dentures Improve the Bone Mass in Your Jaw?
No, jawbone resorption cannot be reversed. Once the jaw loses the stimulus provided by your natural teeth, it will naturally begin to dissolve, and once that happens, it cannot be undone. While well-fitted dentures can drastically reduce further bone loss, they won’t cause the jaw to rebuild.
Can You Wear Dentures if You Already Have Bone Loss?
People whose jawbones have already started to deteriorate can absolutely wear dentures, but it can take longer to adjust and find the best fit. Even some of those who have substantial bone deterioration can undergo bone graft surgery on their jawbone to replace essential support for dentures to be fitted.
What Are the Best Types of Dentures for Managing Bone Loss?
There are several types of dentures- all of which offer different benefits. The best choice for one person may not be the same for the next. It depends on how much bone loss you have already experienced and how many of your natural teeth are still intact.
Full dentures are designed for people who have had all of their teeth removed, while partial dentures fill gaps. You also get implant-supported dentures that work well for those who still have a good amount of jawbone left, which are very effective in slowing the process of bone degradation.
Speak to a professional denturist at Shreve Dental Clinic for personalized advice on the best options for your smile.
Tips on How to Keep Your Dentures Healthy
- Make regular appointments with your dentist or denturist to keep on top of ongoing changes to your gums, teeth, and jawbone.
- Never sleep with your dentures in, as this can increase the risk of inflammation and cause bone loss to worsen.
- Rinse your mouth with anti-bacterial mouthwash daily.
- Brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove germs and debris.
- As soon as you feel any sort of discomfort, arrange an appointment with a licensed denturist in your area.
Summary: Dentures Can Prevent Bone Loss If they are Properly Fitted and Well Maintained
Dentures can help prevent jaw bone shrinkage – but only if they fit properly and are well cared for. Failure to arrange regular dentist checkups and look after your oral hygiene could worsen bone loss for denture wearers, so it is essential to get the advice of a trusted, professional denturist and follow the care plans provided.
Remember, dentures won’t undo any bone loss that has already happened, but using them proactively, attentively, and responsibly can have a significant impact on future bone degradation.
The type of denture you wear will influence what additional care measures are required to maintain the integrity of your jawbone. It is best to call us to speak directly with an informative and friendly professional about your dental needs.
Arrange a Consultation with Shreve Denture Clinic Today
If you’re interested in getting dentures, have questions about wearing dentures, or are looking into other tooth replacement options in Leamington, Ontario, speak to Shreve Denture Clinic.
Our licensed denturists specialize in this area of oral care- and are highly trained to help clients restore their smiles and protect their oral health. We can talk you through the entire process- helping you feel comfortable in the knowledge that you are making the best choice for your smile.
Some of the services we provide include:
- Full dentures (for complete tooth removal)
- Partial dentures (for filling gaps where natural teeth have been extracted)
- Implant-supported dentures (surgically inserted into the jawbone)
- Relines (reshaping and fitting existing dentures)
- Denture repairs
- Immediate dentures (temporary dentures for aesthetic fixes while more permanent solutions are found)
- Anti-snoring dental solutions
From first full denture fittings to realignments and repairs, we are the go-to experts in this field. Contact the qualified team today to take positive steps toward long-lasting comfort and quality.
