Dentures are a common way to fill in gaps in one’s smile, whether it’s several or all of their pearly whites. They are durable, long-lasting, and have been around for years giving people full beams. If it’s been a while since you’ve lost your teeth or had them pulled, you may be wondering if you’re still eligible to get dentures. Keep reading to learn if this is possible.
What Happens When You’re Missing Teeth?
there are several reasons why someone may be missing teeth. For example, certain oral health issues lead to tooth loss or the need to have them pulled. You may also have a tooth knocked out due to an accident. Beyond the way this affects the aesthetics of your smile, it also impacts your oral health.
For one, gaps in your grin can harm your jawbone. The lack of stimulation in the area where the tooth used to be will cause it to erode. In the first year alone, patients lose around 25% of their jawbone density. The longer you wait to have the teeth replaced, the more jawbone density you’ll lose.
Additionally, if you have remaining teeth, they will shift to fill in the gaps. This will cause pressure to be distributed unevenly when you bite or chew. As a result, your teeth may become damaged or fall out with time.
How This Relates to Dentures
Dentures that are worn properly and consistently should not lead to bone loss. In fact, wearing dentures the way you’re supposed to can help you avoid bone loss. This is because they will stimulate the jawbone to prevent erosion.
Even so, there are some challenges that come with wearing dentures. Though they apply pressure and stimulation against the jawbone and gums, there are no nerves. This means that they may not provide enough stimulation. In some cases, the solution is to wear implant-supported dentures, which are held in place by titanium screws inserted into the jawbone. Implants are the best tooth replacement option to keep the jawbone healthy and strong.
How to Prevent Jawbone Loss with Dentures
There are things that contribute to keeping your jawbone from eroding if you wear dentures, which include:
- Proper fit – Properly fitted dentures will reduce how quickly your jawbone shrinks by stimulating the gums and the jawbone beneath it.
- Proper rest – Be sure to remove your dentures every night to allow your mouth to rest. Intense irritation may cause additional bone resorption, but removing your dentures at night will help prevent this.
- Proper nutrition – Eating well will help you reduce the amount of bone reabsorption. Eat a diet that’s high in protein and calcium, which will help you keep bone density strong.
About the Practice
Cornerstone Dental offers patients exceptional, effective oral health treatments so they can keep their beams strong and lovely. If you’re missing several or all of your teeth, they offer dentures to give you a full beam. They can also give you tips that will help you keep your jawbone healthy. If you want to schedule a consultation with Cornerstone Dental or to learn more about dentures, visit their website or call their office at (701) 237-3583.