{"id":837,"date":"2026-04-15T11:23:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T11:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.richardfossumdds.com\/blog\/?p=837"},"modified":"2026-05-04T23:23:58","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T23:23:58","slug":"getting-dentures-when-youve-lacked-teeth-for-a-while","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.richardfossumdds.com\/blog\/getting-dentures-when-youve-lacked-teeth-for-a-while\/","title":{"rendered":"A Prolonged Problem: Getting Dentures When You\u2019ve Lacked Teeth for a While"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Though they look like a great tooth replacement option, you may think dentures are only for people who’ve just lost teeth. Such prosthetics<\/a> surely won\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Extended Tooth Loss Weakens the Jaw<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In many cases, a weak or eroded jaw simply can\u2019t handle tooth replacements. It\u2019ll lack the stability and strength needed to keep prosthetic teeth in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Dentures Work If You\u2019ve Lacked Teeth for a While?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even with the points above, dentures can still work for patients with prolonged tooth loss. Your eroded jawbone isn\u2019t an insurmountable obstacle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The truth is that some dentures don\u2019t need a strong jaw. For instance, full models can often cling to your gums with suction force; they don\u2019t need to clasp onto nearby teeth. This approach ensures a denture will remain secure even when your jaw is weak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps more importantly, dental providers can address a weak jawbone. Many specialists are able to reverse a jaw\u2019s tissue loss with a bone graft. Once you\u2019ve had that procedure, your jawbone will be strong and dense enough to handle nearly any denture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Get Dentures at All?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aside from their ability to fix prolonged tooth loss, dentures have other worthwhile perks. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n