If you’ve been missing teeth for quite some time now, there is a chance your jawbone has experienced some shrinkage. This can make it difficult to support a restoration like dentures, but wait – you’re not necessarily out of luck! A bone graft could give your jawbone the strength it needs by adding to its mass. Keep reading to see how your dentist can help.
How Prolonged Tooth Loss Affects Dentures
As briefly mentioned, prolonged tooth loss can cause the jawbone to shrink. This is because without a dental root or pearly white, essential stimulation from chewing pressure doesn’t get transferred to the jawbone. It becomes unable to circulate properly, in other words, and misses out on the nutrients it needs to maintain itself.
Dentures might rest directly on top of your gums, but it’s the bone underneath that supports them. If your mandible isn’t dense enough, dentures won’t be able to stay suctioned to your gums.
Why Bone Grafting Can Help
For a bone graft, your dentist will essentially take material from another source and carefully place it inside your jaw. Over time, the graft will fuse with your jawbone. Once it does, your oral structure will be restored, and you should be able to support dentures. Bone grafting quite literally adds mass to your mandible!
Consider Implant Dentures
Now, dentures are a good tooth replacement option. However, since they can’t replace the dental root, they only slow the rate of jawbone deterioration. They can’t prevent it completely. If you’re worried about your jaw health, you may want to consider getting an implant denture, which combines a denture with dental implant posts.
The posts will effectively replace that all-important dental root, preserving your mandible and helping it stay nice and strong. You might still need a bone graft in order to receive an implant denture, but many patients find the benefits well-worth it.
Talk to Your Dentist
It’s good to know that you can still receive dentures after prolonged tooth loss! That said, at the end of the day, the only person who can tell you what you’ll need is your dentist. After performing an oral exam, they’ll help you build your best-fit treatment plan so you can enjoy your new smile for years to come.
About the Practice
Our team of dentists at Dental Group West are ready to help you restore your smile! Whether you’ll need a bone graft or can get your dentures straight away, they’ll make sure your dental needs are addressed and that your treatment plan is built for success. To schedule your denture or implant denture consultation today, contact our office at 419-539-2168.