Approximately 178 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth, according to the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP). There are an estimated 40 million Americans who are missing all of their teeth.
Those are startling figures, but the truth is that nobody has to live that way with several tooth replacement options available to them, including dental implants and dentures. Dentures are a popular option and tough to beat when the cost is factored in, but do they check all the boxes?
One issue related to tooth loss is bone reduction in your jaw. Keep reading to learn from your dentist in Altavista if dentures or implants can address jawbone preservation.
What Causes Bone Loss in My Jaw?
When chewing your food, you’re stimulating your jawbone via the roots of your teeth. This allows it to remain strong and healthy. However, if you have a missing tooth, that area of the jawbone isn’t being stimulated to the same extent, and your body will end up reabsorbing it over time. In the end, you could end up with physical changes like sunken cheeks and wrinkled lips that make you appear much older than you really are.
Can Dentures Impact Jawbone Preservation?
Dentures can be life-changing for people who have lost most or all their teeth. Traditional dentures are secured by the natural suction of the mouth and restore the appearance and function of the smile. However, this type of denture doesn’t prevent bone loss because they don’t replace the roots of the missing teeth. Instead, they sit on top of the gums and don’t stimulate the jawbone.
What Can Dental Implants Do for Your Oral Health?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. Over time, the implant will fuse to the jawbone during a process called “osseointegration.” A customized crown, bridge, or denture is placed on the implant or series of implants. Here are some of the benefits:
- Stability: Implants can restore up to 90 percent of your chewing power, so you don’t have to worry about cutting out any of your favorite foods once they have healed completely.
- Durability: Traditional dentures need to be repaired and replaced periodically. On the other hand, implants can last up to 25 years or longer with proper care.
- Jawbone Preservation: Unlike traditional dentures, implants replace the roots of the missing teeth and stimulate the jawbone. This keeps the jawbone from being reabsorbed by the body over time.
Traditional dentures can be a great tooth replacement option for some people, especially when the cost is the priority, but they do not factor into jawbone preservation. Dental implants do impact the jawbone, however, and they may be the difference-making addition your smile needs!
About the Practice
At Miller & Wolf Family Dentistry, our trio of dentists is ready to help take your smile to the next level. Dr. Paul Miller earned his dental doctorate at Virginia Commonwealth University. He’s a member of the American Dental Association. An avid traveler, Dr. Miller and his wife have been to all 50 states and 12 countries. Dr. Rudy Wolf also earned his doctorate at VCU and is an American Dental Association member. He’s certified in oral conscious sedation, in case you need help relaxing. He loves hiking, fishing, and playing games with his family. Dr. Gwen Hooks makes it three for three at the practice, as far as earning her doctorate from VCU and being an ADA member. She has taken extensive training on CAD/CAM dentistry, which describes the software that makes it possible for dental professionals to perform complex restorations faster, more efficiently, and sometimes more accurately. Dr. Hooks loves supporting her children in their sports – her daughter in volleyball and her son in golf. If you are considering dental implants, they partner with local specialists for optimal results, implants can permanently replace any number of teeth, plus dental insurance is accepted and flexible financing options are available. They offer natural-looking full and partial dentures, as well. To schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (434) 324-8241.