You know tooth loss is a severe problem if you’ve ever lost any teeth. Still, maybe you haven’t gotten dentures for your grin yet. Perhaps you’ve been putting off restoration work these last few years. In that case, you’re likely wondering: “Will dentures work for prolonged tooth loss?” Well, wonder no more – your local Carrolton dentist can answer that question. To that end, here’s how dentures work when missing teeth erode your jaw.
Prolonged Tooth Loss = Weaker Jaw
In general, it’s best to get restorations soon after losing teeth. Failing to do so will cause your jawbone to erode.
You see, your jaw depends on your teeth to maintain itself. The stimulus from chewing preserves its bone tissue. As a result, just missing a few teeth will deprive your jawbone of stimulation. This lack of stimuli will cause the jaw to erode and lose density.
This erosion is a grave matter, as some restorations don’t work if your jaw is too weak. For instance, dental implants need high jawbone density to stay secure. Without it, they won’t properly fuse with your jaw.
Dentures Would Still Work
All that said, a weak jaw isn’t a big problem for dentures. These prosthetic teeth can work even if you’ve suffered from jawbone loss.
For starters, some dentures don’t require a strong jaw. Full ones – those that replace an entire arch of teeth – are a fine example. Unlike other kinds, they cling to your gums with a suction force. This design keeps them secure even if the jaw is weak.
Better yet, a dentist can help you qualify for other dentures. They may refer you to a specialist for a bone graft, which would restore your jawbone. From there, your jaw would have the strength for implant dentures (i.e., those that use implants for stability).
How Could Dentures Benefit You?
Using dentures for prolonged tooth loss is tricky, but the process is worthwhile. The new teeth offer many benefits, including:
- Pretty, Lifelike Results – With modern dentures, you’d have a full, lifelike smile that doesn’t seem artificial. Friends and family may not even know your teeth aren’t natural.
- Better Nutrition – Like many restorations, dentures help you chew and eat food. That means they’d broaden your dietary choices and improve your nutrition.
- Restored Speech – As you might know, talking without teeth is difficult. Thankfully, dentures would ensure your speech is restored. You’d be able to speak clearly again!
- Cost-Effectiveness – Among the available options, dentures are the most inexpensive tooth replacements. They’re great for patients on tight budgets.
As you can see, dentures can work for prolonged tooth loss. Talk to your dentist about getting some in the coming days!
About the Practice
Celebration Family Dental of Carrolton is based in Carrolton, TX. Led by Dr. Shekhadiya, our practice strives to give each patient their ideal smile. We thus offer comprehensive dentistry for all ages, including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services. Our team is also equipped to handle dental emergencies and oral sedation work. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (469)-694-3766.