Both dental implants and dentures are reliable tooth replacement options, but each will have a different impact when it comes to your bone health. You see, prolonged tooth loss can actually cause jawbone deterioration, which can lead to bite complications and sagging facial features.
If you’d rather avoid all that, no one would blame you! So keep reading to learn which restoration is better for your jawbone.
What Causes Jawbone Loss?
The better question to start with is “How does your jawbone maintain itself?” Like other parts of your body, blood circulation delivers important nutrients to the bone that keeps it dense and strong. Chewing on the foods you love actually promotes this circulation; pressure is transferred from the tip of your tooth, through the dental root, and on down to your jawbone. The stimulation essentially tells your brain that part of the bone is still being used and requires nutrients.
Tooth loss causes jawbone deterioration because it removes the bone’s source of stimulation. Instead of receiving nutrients, the jawbone starts to break down and becomes reabsorbed by the body. Not everyone learns that in biology class!
Why Dentures Don’t Prevent Jawbone Shrinkage
Unfortunately, dentures don’t completely prevent this process from occurring. Though they do replace missing teeth, they don’t replace the dental roots that are responsible for getting stimulation to your jawbone.
That said, dentures can slow jawbone loss. Since they’re suctioned to your gums, they do manage to transfer some pressure – just not enough to keep the bone preserved.
How Dental Implants Can Help
Dental implants, on the other hand, do replace the dental roots. That’s what the biocompatible implant post is for! Once the post fully fuses with your jawbone, it will be able to transfer chewing pressure from the restoration to the bone. Your jawbone will start receiving the nutrients it needs, and your oral function and facial features will be preserved.
You have options with dental implants, too – they’re highly versatile and can be combined with other restorations. Implant dentures, for example, can replace multiple missing teeth, providing the best of both dentures and implants.
Conclusion
Overall, dentures can still be a good tooth replacement option for those who choose them. However, if you’re worried about your bone health, it’s definitely worth considering a dental implant restoration. Their unique design will keep you smiling for years to come!
About the Practice
At Sunrise Dental, our dedicated team of professionals are able to provide our patients with comprehensive dental care. Dr. Ahn and Dr. Thomas, for example, are highly experienced with dental implant restorations. If you’d like to learn more about your jawbone health and tooth replacement options, they’d be happy to help you build a personalized treatment plan. To schedule your consultation today, contact our office at 713-869-9973.
