Are you missing multiple teeth? You are not alone. In fact, nearly 70% of U.S. adults aged 35 to 44 have one or more missing teeth, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Many individuals seek to replace missing teeth with dentures or other dental prosthetics to avoid embarrassing social interactions – but restoring one’s smile is important for more than cosmetic reasons. Did you know that missing teeth can lead to bone loss? Learn more about the impact of missing teeth and the best way to preserve your oral health in today’s blog.
Why Missing Teeth Leads to Bone Loss
The forces exerted when you chew and bite on food travel through your teeth and stimulate the jawbone. When a tooth is missing, however, the jawbone loses this stimulus and the body begins to slowly break the bone down. In fact, according to a study in the Indian Journal of Dentistry, as much as 25% of the bone near a missing tooth may be lost in the first year after tooth extraction.
How Dentures Replace Missing Teeth
Dentures – artificial teeth and gums – are a popular tooth replacement solution for people who are missing many or all of their teeth. Typically made from hard resin, dentures are custom-designed to fit in a person’s mouth and are usually held in place by natural suction.
While dentures can restore the appearance of a person’s smile, they cannot help prevent jawbone deterioration. Indeed, some research suggests that wearing dentures may actually increase the rate at which the bone in the mouth atrophies. In some cases, patients with dentures who experience significant jawbone shrinkage may find that their dentures become loose and need refitting.
Why Dental Implants are the Superior Choice
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth roots. After the implant fuses with the jawbone during several months of healing, a crown is placed on top of the implant to effectively restore the missing tooth. A few strategically-placed implants can even support an entire arch of artificial teeth.
By mimicking the tooth root structure, dental implants stimulate jawbone growth and prevent bone loss. Dental implants also offer a range of additional benefits compared to traditional dentures, such as:
- No Slippage – Dental implants fit securely in place, meaning you never have to worry about them slipping or shifting in your mouth.
- Maximum Stability – Dental implants provide nearly the same chewing power as natural teeth, so you can eat all of your favorite foods worry-free.
- Long-Lasting – With proper care, dental implants can easily last for many decades. Dentures, meanwhile, typically must be replaced every 5 to 10 years.
Reclaim a confident smile and preserve your oral health with dental implants! Talk to an implant dentist today to schedule an initial consultation.
About the Author
As a Fellow with the world-renowned Misch International Implant Institute, Dr. Parnam Mohanna has a wealth of experience and advanced training when it comes to dental implants. At Complete Cosmetic Care Dentistry, Dr. Mohanna helps patients restore their smiles and improve their dental function through implant treatment. For more information about tooth replacement solutions in Glenpool, visit the Complete Cosmetic Care Dentistry website or call 918-216-1000.