Thanks to modern dentistry, dentists have many ways to replace teeth. The most popular of these is likely the standard denture. Still, this choice lacks a crucial feature: jawbone preservation. That means it won’t stop your jaw from eroding due to tooth loss. On the contrary, only dental implants can maintain your jawbone’s tissue. Your local Norton dentist can even explain why. So, here’s a primer on how missing teeth cause bone loss, dentures can’t preserve your jaw, and implants solve the matter.
Context: Tooth Loss = Bone Loss
If you weren’t aware, losing teeth affects more than your looks. The issue also makes your body slowly erode your jaw. After all, your jawbone depends on teeth to stimulate and maintain it. Without your pearly whites, it has no way to preserve its tissues.
Modern science backs this fact. In an Indian Journal of Dentistry study, researchers found that bone tissue near a missing tooth is quickly lost. More specifically, 25% of it can erode within a year of the chomper’s extraction.
Dentures Can’t Preserve Your Jaw
To be clear, dentures work great as replacement teeth. You can trust them to restore all sorts of grins! Even so, they can’t protect your jaw from bone loss.
You see, it comes down to how dentures work. They only fit over your gums and remain stable with adhesive or suction. As such, they don’t strengthen your bite enough to stimulate your jaw. Dentures, then, won’t stop your jaw from eroding.
Given this sad reality, denture users tend to replace teeth often. That much is natural – their jawbones are constantly shrinking. Consequently, their dentures get loose and need refitting.
Dental Implants are the Solution
Luckily, things are different with dental implants. These restorations actually fuse with your jaw. That way, they stimulate your jawbone to maintain its bone tissue. The results are a strong bite and a face that looks full and firm.
Of course, implants have other unique perks as well. Such benefits include the following:
- A Secure Smile – Since implants fuse with your jaw, they don’t slip or fall like a denture might. Consequently, they’ll help you eat, speak, and smile without issue.
- Easy Care – Generally, implants are easier to clean than dentures. You can just maintain them as you would natural teeth. In other words, brush them twice daily, floss them once daily, and rinse them with mouthwash.
- Long Lifespan – The average implant lasts 15-20 years. Meanwhile, a well-maintained one can reach a lifespan of 30 years or more.
If you need jawbone preservation, your best bet is dental implants. Therefore, talk to your local dentist about possible treatment.
About the Practice
Norton Family Dentistry is based in Norton, MA. Led by Drs. Salloum, Devine, and Thomas, our practice provides excellent dentistry for its patients. We thus offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, all tailored to your unique smile’s form. Naturally, then, our team can give you the very best in dentures or dental implants! For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (410)-263-1919.
