Unfortunately, when you’re missing teeth, you could eventually lose more of your smile than you realize. That’s because without proper stimulation, your jawbone can begin to shrink, making it difficult to restore your gorgeous grin with the help of traditional and implant dentures. While this can create a challenge, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can never get them. Here’s how you can still replace missing teeth even if you’ve suffered from bone loss.
Dentures and Bone Loss
While it’s true that bone loss can complicate the denture process, the good news is that it’s not a dealbreaker. For starters, some people may not need a full denture and may instead benefit from a partial which might not be affected as much by jawbone deterioration. Furthermore, for full dentures your dentist can also provide liners that can ease the discomfort that sometimes occurs with new prosthetics and assist them in conforming to any bone and gum shrinkage that may happen when you first get them.
Preventing Bone Loss with Dentures
With dentures, it is still possible to experience some bone deterioration. Although you may not be able to completely prevent it, there are ways to reduce the amount of shrinkage, including:
- Ensuring your dentures fit properly to ensure your jawbone receives proper stimulation while you chew.
- Removing your dentures at night when you go to bed to allow your mouth time to rest.
- Getting proper nutrition to support your gums and bones or taking supplements such as vitamin D or calcium.
Implant Dentures: A Permanent Solution
If you’re concerned about deterioration continuing after you’ve gotten your new dentures, there is another way that could protect your smile: implant dentures. These prosthetics secure to your jawbone via four to six permanent dental implants which provide plenty of jawbone stimulation to keep your mouth healthy and strong. Implant dentures are available in varieties that are removable for cleaning, and even some that stay in place unless removed by your dentist. Schedule a consultation at your dental office today for more information.
Remember, bone loss from missing teeth doesn’t have to stop you from restoring your smile. Whether you need partial, full, or implant dentures, your dentist can help find a solution that protects your jaw and brings back all the amazing capabilities of your gorgeous grin!
About Our Practice
At Corcoran Privitera Family Dental, Drs. Corcoran, Privitera, and Franklin are here to help protect your smile at any age. If you’ve experienced bone loss due to missing teeth but are ready to restore your gorgeous grin, we offer a variety of treatments that can both replace them and protect your jaw from shrinkage. To schedule an appointment for dentures, visit our website!