Are you missing several teeth? If so, you’re definitely not the only one. In fact, almost 70% of American adults aged 35 to 44 have lost at least one tooth, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Many of these people seek out solutions like dentures or dental implants as a way to avoid the embarrassment of having gaps in their grins. However, only one of these treatments prevents bone loss in your jaw. Keep reading to find out which option is better in terms of jawbone preservation.
How Missing Teeth Leads to Bone Loss
Whenever you bite or chew, that force travels down through the roots of your teeth and stimulates your jawbone. The jawbone loses this stimulus when a tooth is missing, causing the bone to slowly break down. Because the bone then has trouble supporting your facial muscles, you may appear more wrinkled than you once did.
How Dentures Replace Missing Teeth
Dentures are a tried-and-true solution for people who are missing multiple or all of their teeth. These artificial teeth are custom-made to fit a person’s mouth and are typically held in place via natural suction.
While dentures can improve the appearance of your smile, they do not prevent jawbone shrinkage. As a result, patients with dentures may find their replacement teeth losing their fit every year or two due to the changes caused by the bone atrophy.
Why Dental Implants Are the Better Choice
A dental implant is a tiny titanium post that is placed into the jawbone to replicate the root of a lost tooth. Over a period of a few months, the implant actually fuses with the jawbone, essentially becoming a part of your anatomy. After that, a personalized dental crown is placed on top, completing your smile. A few strategically placed implants can even support a full denture.
By recreating the root structure of a tooth, dental implants preserve the jawbone and encourage new bone growth. They also deliver several benefits that dentures cannot, such as:
- No slippage. Implant dentures stay firmly in place while talking and eating.
- Greater chewing power. You can eat all of the foods you loved before you lost your teeth.
- Longevity. While dentures must be replaced every five to ten years, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
Are you ready to enjoy a complete and healthy smile again? Then schedule a consultation with your dentist to find out if dental implants are right for you!
About the Author
Since graduating from Temple University’s dental school, Dr. Willy Kassem has helped countless patients in the Williamstown, NJ area rebuild their smiles after tooth loss. Not only does he offer custom-made dentures, but he has undergone advanced training to be able to place and restore dental implants in his own office! To learn more about how you can restore your smile, you can contact Dr. Kassem at (856)-818-9998.
