If you’ve experienced jawbone loss, you might be worried about whether or not you can still receive dentures as a tooth replacement. A certain amount of bone deterioration can prevent you from getting a dental implant treatment, so it makes sense to ask this question. Fortunately, dentures rely more on your gums for support, and can be a viable solution for those with a reduced jawbone. To learn more about the details, keep reading!
How Jawbone Loss Works
After going a long time without teeth, your jawbone actually starts to recede and be reabsorbed by your body – hence the loss in bone mass. Why in the world does that happen, though?
It’s because missing teeth means there isn’t a way for your jawbone to receive stimulation. Pearly whites and dental roots exert pressure on your mandible, letting your brain know that it still needs to receive essential nutrients. No teeth means the nutrients gets redirected elsewhere, and your jawbone doesn’t get what it needs to maintain itself.
Supporting Dentures
Jawbone reduction presents a problem for dental implants because the titanium posts are designed to function like dental roots. In other words, they need to be anchored to a strong jawbone, or else they could fail or fall out.
Dentures, on the other hand, stay in your mouth by using suction to cling to your gums. They only really rely on your jawbone for structure, not so much support. A small amount of bone mass might make it a bit trickier to properly size your dentures, but it won’t stop you from receiving them altogether!
Other Considerations
It’s no doubt good to know that dentures are still an option if you’ve had jawbone loss. But you should also know there are other possibilities to consider! For example, with a bone graft, your dentist may be able to add mass to your jawbone, enabling you to undergo a dental implant treatment. Or depending on the extent of your bone’s deterioration, they could provide you with implant dentures, which are less demanding on your jaw than regular implants.
Whichever route you decide to take on your smile restoration journey, be sure to talk to your dentist about what you’re thinking. As a professional, they’ll be able to assess the state of your jawbone and let you know what’s realistic. Together, you can form the perfect treatment plan for your needs and preferences!
About the Practice
As a family, Drs. Gery, Chelsea, and Anthony Benza make a great team at Galleria Dentistry. You can count on each of them to deliver quality care thanks to their extensive dental experience. Plus, with an award from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists under her belt, Dr. Chelsea can take your restorative treatment to the next level! If you’d like to schedule a consultation to assess the state of your jawbone and begin planning your treatment, contact our office at 239-592-5112.