Though they look like a great tooth replacement option, you may think dentures are only for people who’ve just lost teeth. Such prosthetics surely won’t help those with prolonged tooth loss. Well, that assumption is dead wrong; getting dentures when you’ve lacked teeth for a while is possible. You’ll just have to go through a unique process compared to the “regular” denture procedure. For more details, just look over this summary from your local Temple dentist.
Extended Tooth Loss Weakens the Jaw
In fairness, it’s easier to get dentures for recent tooth loss. The jawbone they depend on erodes if you’ve lacked teeth for too long.
Your jaw needs teeth to preserve its density, as the force from chewing stimulates bone growth. Losing your pearly whites leads to a weaker bite force, which results in tissue loss. That means prolonged tooth loss will weaken your jawbone and make it frail.
In many cases, a weak or eroded jaw simply can’t handle tooth replacements. It’ll lack the stability and strength needed to keep prosthetic teeth in place.
Can Dentures Work If You’ve Lacked Teeth for a While?
Even with the points above, dentures can still work for patients with prolonged tooth loss. Your eroded jawbone isn’t an insurmountable obstacle.
The truth is that some dentures don’t need a strong jaw. For instance, full models can often cling to your gums with suction force; they don’t need to clasp onto nearby teeth. This approach ensures a denture will remain secure even when your jaw is weak.
Perhaps more importantly, dental providers can address a weak jawbone. Many specialists are able to reverse a jaw’s tissue loss with a bone graft. Once you’ve had that procedure, your jawbone will be strong and dense enough to handle nearly any denture.
Why Get Dentures at All?
Aside from their ability to fix prolonged tooth loss, dentures have other worthwhile perks. These include:
- A Gorgeous Grin – Thanks to quality materials, modern dentures can give you a full smile that looks natural and lifelike.
- More Confidence – As dentures restore your smile, you’ll experience a boost in confidence. Knowing your grin is full again should leave you more self-assured than before.
- Easier Meals – Since dentures provide you with artificial teeth, they let you enjoy a wider range of foods than before.
- Cost-Effectiveness – Even as dentures work well as replacement teeth, they’re also the least expensive restorations available. Patients with smaller budgets should see them as a cost-effective option.
Getting dentures when you’ve lacked teeth for a while isn’t ideal, but it’s something you can do. Remember that as you consider your tooth replacement options!
About the Author
Dr. Richard Fossum is a dentist based in Temple, TX, having earned his DDS from the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. Thanks to extensive education and years of field work, he has expertise in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatments, as well as emergency oral care. Whether you want your smile to be healthier or prettier, you can trust him and his team to help! Today, Dr. Fossum practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (254)-831-4397.