Dentures and Bone Loss: How Does It Work?

Dentures can help you regain the functionality and aesthetics of your teeth. However, they’re not a solution to every problem. Namely, they don’t really prevent bone loss. In fact, they may even accelerate it. But, there are still things you can do to prevent bone loss due to dentures.

One of the things you can do is have a dental exam every now and then. That can help you keep up with the situation. And, if you’re looking to schedule one, you can click here and visit us in Hickory Hills. So, without further ado, let’s go over a few things.

What Causes Bone Loss to Occur?

So, why does bone loss occur in the first place? Well, when chewing occurs, the jawbone is stimulated by the teeth’ roots. That plays a part in keeping your teeth healthy and strong. But, if you’re missing some of your teeth, this process won’t go as it should. That is, your body will reabsorb your jawbone as time passes by. That can eventually result in unwanted physical changes, such as wrinkled lips or sunken cheeks.

Symptoms of Jawbone Deterioration

Jawbone loss can be devastating, and it’s important to notice it in time. Below are the symptoms that indicate jawbone loss:

• An adjustment in your facial structure and bite
• Distorted facial features
• Wrinkles forming around your mouth
• Feeling pain while chewing
• Shifting of the teeth
• Limitations with lip support
• Problems with speaking
• Headaches, jaw pain, and facial pain

How to Prevent Bone Loss?

Now, how to prevent bone loss with dentures? Well, it’s important to know that bone loss and dentures don’t have to go hand in hand. Here are some of the habits you can add to your daily routine as a way to prevent bone loss.

Maintaining a Proper Fit

One thing about dentures is that they won’t fit properly forever, meaning you need to have them relined every few years. And, when that stops being an option, simply replace them with new ones.

But why won’t they fit well forever? The dentist fitted them for you, after all, weren’t they? Well, as your jawbone diminishes, your dentures will get looser, which will cause them to move and slip out of place. That can cause pain and pressure on your gums, which will accelerate resorption.

Good Nutrition

Proper nutrition is good for your overall health. It maintains a good immune system and helps your body stay strong and resilient, and it’s also good for your bones as it helps maintain their density. Vegetables, fruits, and protein can do a lot of good for your bones, including your jawbone.

However, that can be a problem for many people with conventional dentures. Fruits, vegetables, and many foods containing protein have a tricky texture. So, a good solution is finding ways to prepare them so they’re easier to consume. Luckily, there are plenty of recipes online that can give you ideas.

Letting Your Mouth Rest

You’re probably aware of this but keeping your dentures in all day isn’t a good idea. That might be hard for some due to the self-consciousness that comes with not having teeth. However, removing your dentures for a few hours each day can help your mouth rest and can aid in slowing bone loss.

That is because the lack of pressure and irritation on your gums and bones will slow down bone resorption. So, always have a few hours in your day where your mouth is denture-free, and never forget to take them out before going to sleep.

An Alternative Solution

Conventional dentures can accelerate bone resorption. However, denture implants can prevent it or even reverse it. Denture implants, or dentures supported by implants, are essentially the same thing as conventional dentures.

But, there is one key difference that sets them apart from traditional dentures. Denture implants come with a titanium implant post that takes the role of the tooth root, which has the effect of stimulating the bone and can, in turn, cause regeneration and further bone loss prevention.

Also, even if you’ve suffered severe bone loss, you can still be a candidate for denture implants. Your oral surgeon will be able to assess the situation and lay down your options for you.

What Can Denture Implants Do for You?

So, we’ve already established that denture implants are a great option for patients suffering from bone loss, but what else do they have to offer? Well, let’s go over the benefits.

• Jawbone preservation – As we’ve mentioned, denture implants can prevent and even reverse bone loss by stimulating your jawbone.
• Longevity – Conventional dentures have to be replaced way too often. But, with denture implants, you can go decades without worries.
• Stability – With dentures, you have to worry about which foods you can eat and which foods you have to stay away from. Denture implants, on the other hand, can restore your chewing power, so you won’t have to brainstorm ways to prepare foods so that they’re easier to chew. You’ll be able to eat almost everything you ate before.
• No slipping – While dentures may slip out of place from time to time, denture implants remain secure in your mouth 24/7, so you won’t have to worry about them shifting in your mouth or slipping out of place.

What to Do When Denture Implants Aren’t an Option?

Some patients may have experienced severe jawbone loss, which may prevent denture implants from being an option. But, if you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry — there are still options.

The best option for people in this situation is bone grafting. Essentially, this procedure includes placing bone into the area that needs it. The bone material for the procedure is often taken from the patient or a donor. However, the dentist can also use synthetic material too. When everything is completely healed up, denture implants can be placed.