Dentures are among the most tried-and-true tooth replacement options available. These prosthetics have helped countless generations of patients replace their missing teeth, and due to their accessibility and affordability, they likely aren’t going away anytime soon! That said, if you’ve had missing teeth for quite some time, you might be wondering if dentures are still a possibility for you. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about dentures and how they might still be a possibility for those with long-term tooth loss.
The Importance of Replacing Lost Teeth
Perhaps the biggest issue that patients with missing teeth experience, even more than trouble eating or speaking, is what’s known as bone resorption. This occurs when the body believes that it no longer needs bone matter in a particular area, or in this case, the empty socket where a tooth once was. Since your jawbone relies on stimulation from your teeth to remain healthy, if these spaces are void, your jaw can begin to deteriorate and shrink! This can lead to facial collapse and other issues including further tooth loss. And unfortunately, these issues don’t clear up on their own; they can only be addressed with professional assistance.
How Dentures Replace Missing Teeth
Traditionally, dentures consist of an acrylic base outfitted with lifelike replacement teeth which sit on the gums, stabilized through muscle control, suction, and adhesives. There are several varieties of dentures, including partial, full, and dental implant-retained, which all have specific functions. Once a patient learns how to wear them, they become quite an effective tooth replacement solution.
And better yet, if dentures are worn as intended, patients should not experience further bone resorption. In fact, dentures can actually prevent it from occurring to a certain degree since they provide some stimulation to your gums and jaw!
Can You Wait Too Long to Replace Teeth with Dentures?
However, the challenge with dentures is that while they apply some pressure, it might not be enough to fully prevent bone resorption; extensive bone loss might need to be addressed with a dental bone graft before any type of restoration is possible. Also, dentures might also need to be supported with dental implants, though this will depend on your oral health; only a healthy mouth can facilitate implants.
In any case, being proactive and maintaining the integrity of your dentures will ensure that any future bone loss isn’t substantial—and they often still remain a possibility for patients who’ve been without teeth for a while!
About the Practice
Here at Dr. Costa & Dr. Waxman Family Dentistry, we’re excited to offer families in the Worcester area an exceptional level of dental care! If you have any questions about the blog or any of the restorative services that we offer such as dentures, don’t hesitate to contact our team today for further information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 755-1980.