For those who wear dentures or partials, the portion that can be seen – the replacement teeth – may look fine. However, it’s what is occurring beneath the gums that becomes the source of most problems for denture and partial wearers.
When a natural tooth root is missing from the upper or lower jaw bone, a process known as ‘resorption’ begins. This term describes the shrinking or declining mass of jaw bone – the area you don’t see.
The process of resorption begins when the bone is no 
longer being stimulated by a tooth root. As it dwindles in height and width, neighboring teeth become vulnerable to the effects of bone loss as well.
For example, when adjacent teeth border an area where shrinking bone is underway, it creates a higher risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth breaks or fractures.
The pressure of wearing a denture or partial denture actually speeds up the rate of bone loss. For those who sleep in these appliances, the constant rate of pressure accelerates bone loss even more.
Bone loss can occur under a crown-&-bridge combination as well. Since a bridge does not provide stimulation to the jaw bone, the bone loss will eventually result in a gap that can be visible under the base of the bridge.
Bone loss also causes facial changes that can be aging to appearance. These include deep wrinkling around the mouth, corners of the mouth turning downward (even in a smile), a mouth that looks collapsed into the face, pointed chin and jowls that form as facial muscles detach.
Yet, for most, the greatest challenge of wearing dentures and partials can be difficulty and discomfort while eating. As the gum-covered ‘arch’ declines in height, the foundation the denture or partial was designed to contour is ever-changing. As it flattens, the appliance is more apt to move, especially while chewing.
When a denture moves, it tends to rub tender gum tissues. Sore spots are difficult and slow to heal. And, when small seeds or nut particles are tapped between the appliance and gums, it can cause a piercing, painful sensation.
This discomfort and frustration often prompts people to adjust their diets. The chewy, crunchy foods they once enjoyed tend to be bypassed for those that dissolve quickly with minimal chewing required. Unfortunately, these are typically lacking in the fiber, vitamins and protein necessary for a healthy diet.
Bone loss can be halted by the placement of Dental Implants. Just as the natural teeth you once had, they are held by the jaw. Not only does this recreate the stimulation of tooth roots to the jaw bone, it restores biting strength and stability without embarrassing slips.
Dental Implants are also self-supporting. With the jaw bone as their foundation, Dental Implants do not rely on crowned, neighboring teeth to support a single tooth, bridge of two or more teeth or full arch of replacement teeth.
Dental Implants are also an excellent investment. With proper selection, placement and care, they should last your lifetime. That value will ‘give back’ everyday! You’ll chew the foods you love without discomfort or worry, smile and laugh confidently, and brush your teeth in your mouth again!
When you keep your natural teeth healthy, this means your tooth roots stay where they belong! With Dental Implants, however, losing a natural tooth doesn’t mean you need to suffer the long-term repercussions of bone loss.
Ask about Dental Implants to restore a natural look and feel while you protect surrounding teeth and bone structure. Call toll free 1-866-9-Smiles to begin with a no-cost, no obligation consultation.
