Are you missing all your teeth? You’re certainly not alone! Studies estimate that about one in five Americans are completely edentulous, meaning they have no natural teeth left. Fortunately, thanks to modern advancements in dentistry, you now have more options than ever to replace your smile! Both dentures and dental implants can offer lifelike and reliable tooth replacements, but only one of them can help you avoid jawbone deterioration and sunken facial features. Read on to find out which one!
Why Tooth Loss Causes Jawbone Deterioration
The roots of your teeth do more than just hold them in place. Every time you bite, chew, and talk, the pressure travels through them to stimulate blood flow in the jawbone tissue that they’re embedded in. Proper circulation is essential for conveying much-needed nutrients to the bone to keep it strong. When a tooth and its roots go missing and the circulation in that area of the jawbone subsides, the bone tissue is gradually reabsorbed into your system. Over time, the jawbone will shrink away, which can change the position of your facial bones and your facial features. That’s why tooth loss is often accompanied by a sunken, aged appearance.
Can Dentures Preserve Your Jawbone?
Nowadays, precise crafting and high-quality materials can make dentures that are better than ever before! However, they still don’t replace the roots of missing teeth. A traditional denture is designed to sit on top of your gums, effectively restoring the crowns without going beneath the gumline. Unfortunately, this means that traditional dentures can’t do anything to help you prevent jawbone deterioration. In fact, some studies suggest that they may even speed up the process!
Replacing Your Teeth from the Roots Up
Dental implants are widely considered to be the gold standard of tooth replacement because they rebuild every part of a missing tooth. These small titanium posts are placed directly into the jawbone, where they fuse with the tissue. Once a restoration is placed on top of it, the dental implant acts just like the root of a natural tooth, providing a strong foundation for your new smile as well as encouraging circulation in the jawbone. Plus, dental implants can be used to replace any number of teeth, making them an excellent choice whether you’ve knocked out a single tooth or are tired of your traditional denture.
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best way to replace your missing teeth. However, if you’re wondering if dentures or dental implants will help you preserve your jawbone and youthful appearance, dental implants are the solution you’re looking for!
About the Practice
At RP Dental & Implants in Lady Lake, Dr. Lisa Wadsworth and Dr. Rishit Patel are dedicated to helping you achieve the happy, healthy, and confident smile you deserve. They offer an array of tooth replacement options, including both dentures and dental implants, and always take the time to help their patients discover which treatments are right for them. If you’re concerned about missing teeth or jawbone deterioration, don’t hesitate to reach out to them online or at (352) 750-0008.