Dentures Vs Implants for Jawbone Preservation

Every tooth is essential for a healthy smile. Losing even a single tooth can cause devastating consequences for your dental health. If you’ve lost all your natural teeth in one or both arches, you can struggle to perform simple tasks, like chewing your favorite foods or speaking clearly. Dentures are an effective solution to rebuild a complete smile, but are they the best treatment? Although dentures are beneficial, they can’t help with jawbone preservation. Only implant dentures can protect your jawbone from deterioration. Here’s why dental implants offer exceptional advantages over a traditional denture.

Missing Teeth and Bone Loss

When a tooth is lost, you lose more than just what you see on the surface. You will also lose the root. As a result, your jaw won’t be stimulated in the area, causing your bone to shrink. You can lose as much as 25% of your bone density within the first year of missing a tooth. As more time passes, any remaining natural teeth won’t have the support they need to stay in place, increasing your risk of additional tooth loss. Over time, your facial tissues will also lose support, leading to sunken skin, wrinkles, and an overall aged appearance.

Dentures VS Dental Implants

A denture is the most traditional option to treat significant tooth loss because it’s convenient and effective; however, it only replaces the portions of your teeth visible above the gum line. Therefore, it can stop bone loss caused by missing teeth.

A dental implant differs from traditional treatments because it replicates the entire structure of a tooth. A titanium post is surgically placed into your jaw to serve as a new root. It will stimulate your jaw to encourage new bone growth. Your bone fuses to the post to create a secure foundation for your restoration, which is attached using an abutment.

If you’ve lost several teeth or an entire arch, each tooth isn’t replaced individually using dental implants. Instead, 4 to 10 implants can anchor your denture to your jawbone to give you the next best thing to your natural teeth.

Benefits of Implant Dentures

Implant-supported dentures offer a variety of advantages not possible with a traditional full denture, including:

• Over a 95% success rate to last for decades.
• Looks natural to smile confidently.
• Regain as much as 70% of your natural biting force.
• Preserves your jawbone.
• Supports your facial tissues.
• Eliminates slipping and irritation.
• Easy maintenance and care.
• Long-term, cost-effective treatment.

Protect Your Jawbone’s Density

No matter if you’ve lost a single tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire arch, dental implants can preserve your jawbone to improve your oral health. Choose the most predictable and reliable solution to restore a complete, beautiful smile.

About Dr. Eric Marsh

Dr. Marsh earned his dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He has completed advanced training in many specialties, like prosthodontics. If you’re missing teeth, he can rebuild your smile with dentures or implants. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation to treat tooth loss.