ASK THE DENTIST: DENTURES + boNE LoSS
Today’s question: Why do dentures loosen with age?
One of the most common misconceptions I encounter is that the easiest solution to any dental problem is to remove the offending tooth. Many people feel that once the tooth is lost their dental problem is over. Most find out too late that loss of the tooth or teeth leads to much more catastrophic problems down the road.
DID yoU KNoW THAT boNE LoSS RESULTS fRom TooTH LoSS?
In a recent survey by the Institute for Dental Implant Awareness, only 36% of respondents were aware that bone loss resulted from missing teeth. And, 75% or respondents with bridges, partials or dentures would have changed their minds about these treatment options if they had known about the bone loss/ deterioration that would occur.
WHy DoES boNE LoSS RESULT fRom TooTH LoSS?
Natural tooth roots are embedded in the jawbone, providing a stable foundation that allows the teeth to function properly. When teeth are lost, the bone that supported these teeth is no longer needed and begins to deteriorate or resorb.
HoW CAN boNE LoSS + fACIAL STRUCTURE CoLLAPSE bE PREvENTED?
Dental implants serve as substitute tooth roots, providing the same function as natural tooth roots, including stimulating the bone, and preventing the bone loss. The jawbone forms a bond with the dental implants, creating a stable foundation for replacement teeth.
PoSTERIoR boNE LoSS
When all of your posterior teeth are missing, the back of your mouth collapses as the bone deteriorates. The teeth in the front begin to flare out as the corners of your mouth begin to droop. If your posterior teeth are replaced with a partial denture, the resorptive process is accelerated. Replacing the posterior teeth with implant supported teeth preserves the bone, preventing this deterioration and collapse.
fACIAL STRUCTURE CoLLAPSE
When all of your teeth are missing, the jaws deteriorate rapidly. Your lips cave in as they lose support and wrinkles increase dramatically as your facial structure collapses. Complete tooth loss and the deterioration of the jaws can also result in health problems related to improper digestion and malnutrition. If you replace your missing teeth with dentures, you are compromising your facial structures. Dentures put pressure on and compact the gums and underlying bone. As the years go by and bone continues to be lost, less tissue is left to support the denture. The dentures become harder to keep in. Eating becomes difficult and fear of the denture falling out in public erodes self-confidence. If you are missing teeth or wear dentures you owe it to yourself to know all your options. Please visit our website at www.arvanitis.com and call Arvanitis and Associates at 519-748-2282 to book your free consultation to find out how dental implants can change your life.