Has it been several months or years since you lost your teeth? You might’ve waited on getting them replaced, but you likely know how they impact your confidence and eating habits. It’s likely you now want to get them replaced, but are dentures still an option for you, even if your jawbone has weakened since? Here’s how this prosthetic may be able to help you get your full smile back.
How Can Missing Teeth Impact My Mouth?
As was briefly mentioned above, jawbone loss can happen if you’ve been missing your teeth for a while. That’s because no roots are stimulating the bone, so your body doesn’t think you’re using it anymore. The minerals from it will be taken to be used elsewhere, but this makes it shrink. As this happens, your face will likely change. You may notice your cheeks starting to sink in or have additional wrinkles around your lips.
So, Can I Get Dentures Even If I’ve Been Missing Teeth for a While?
You might wonder if your jaw will be able to handle dentures, but the good news is that you may likely still get them! They sit on your gums and create a suction to be held snugly in place. The full smile you dreamt of can still be yours, and you’ll have an easier time eating compared to before.
Better yet, you can also slow down any jawbone loss. Pressure from biting and chewing will get sent through the soft tissues and provide just a bit of stimulation. That said, this restoration doesn’t fully stop it. Your jaw will change, so you’ll need to get this prosthetic relined if the fit is off to keep it comfortable and secure.
Are There Ways to Prevent Jawbone Loss?
Since your face may slowly change, even with dentures, you might wonder if there are ways to prevent it. Thankfully, there are some options! Dental implants are a reliable choice as they are posts that are placed and fused to the jawbone. They act like natural tooth roots, meaning they provide the same stimulation.
Your jaw will need to be dense enough to support this tooth replacement. Some people aren’t eligible for them right away, but a bone graft may be able to make you a good candidate! If not, then you can ask about all-on-4 implants, which rely on the naturally thicker parts of your jaw, so you may not need this preliminary procedure.
In the end, your dentist is here to help you out. By having a consultation, you can learn more about what you can do to get the restored grin you deserve. That way, you have a clear plan to get back the full set of teeth you miss.
About the Author
Dr. Eduart Shkurti earned his dental degree from the University of Southern California School of Dental Medicine. He is proud to offer high-quality tooth replacements, like dentures and dental implants, to the Astoria community. By taking your goals and unique case into account, Dr. Shkurti can personalize your treatments, so you get results that help you feel your best. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call his office at (718) 806–1662.