Franklin 
If you have experienced moderative to severe tooth loss, you know how frustrating it can be to complete daily tasks. This includes chewing your food, speaking clearly, and smiling without feeling self-conscious. Dental implants work by replacing the roots of the missing teeth, preventing bone loss and providing stable replacement teeth. However, you may be wondering if dentures offer the same benefits. Here’s what you should know!
Why Does Bone Loss Happen?
When chewing your food, you are stimulating your jawbone via the roots of your teeth. This allows it to remain strong and healthy. However, if you have a missing tooth, that area of the jawbone isn’t being stimulated to the same extent, and your body will end up reabsorbing it over time. Ultimately, you could end up with physical signs, like sunken cheeks ad wrinkled lips, making you appear much older than you actually are.
Can Dentures Prevent Bone Loss?
Dentures are a very common option for replacing missing teeth, and they are lifechanging for those who have suffered from significant tooth loss. However, this type of denture doesn’t prevent bone loss because they don’t replace the roots of the missing teeth. Instead, they sit on top of the gums and don’t stimulate the jawbone.
How Do Implant Dentures Work?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace the rotos of the missing teeth. Over the healing proves, the implants fuse to the jawbone in a proves called “osseointegration.” A customized crown, bridge, or denture is placed on the implant or implants. Here are just some of their notable benefits.
- Stability: Implants can restore up to 90% of your chewing power, so you don’t need to worry about eliminating any of your favorite foods from your diet after they completely heal.
- Long-Lasting: Traditional dentures need to be repaired and replaced periodically. On the other hand, implants can last upwards of three decades when cared for properly.
- Jawbone Preservation: Unlike traditional dentures, implants replace the roots of the missing teeth and stimulate the jawbone. This keeps the jawbone from being reabsorbed by the body over time.
Traditional dentures are a great option for many people, but they can’t preserve your jawbone. Talk to your dentist to see if you’d make a good candidate for dental implants. It may be the perfect tooth replacement option to meet your needs!
About the Author
After attending Tyler High School, Dr. Donna Fraklin Pitts earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Prairie View A&M University. She then earned her dental doctorate from Howard University. Currently, she is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Smith County Dental Society, and more! To learn more about implant dentures or to schedule a consultation, visit her website or call (903) 593-2330.