Have you recently lost a tooth or had an extraction and are wondering about the best option for replacement? In this blog from Palmetto Dental Associates, we are comparing the effects of dentures, dental implants, and implant-retained dentures on the jaw bone. To find out more about the effects these tooth replacement systems have on bone loss, read on.
Preserving the Jaw Bone After Tooth Loss
There is a reason that extractions are always considered a last resort and we try everything we can to save a patient’s tooth: tooth loss comes with a whole host of consequences. One of those consequences is bone loss.
The jawbone is preserved by the stimulating action of chewing with your teeth. However, when there is no longer a tooth there, the jawbone loses stimulation and resorbs into the body. Cell replacement drastically slows and causes bone density and volume to decline. Bone loss is irreversible and will accelerate more tooth and bone loss.
Dentures vs Dental Implants
As a tooth-replacement system, dentures do a lot to restore the function, structure, and appearance of the teeth. Where they are lacking, however, is in the preservation of the jawbone and prevention of bone loss.
The jawbone needs stimulation through the tooth root to preserve the jawbone, and since dentures are held in place over the gums, they are unable to stimulate the jawbone. Not only do dentures fail to preserve the jawbone, but they actually accelerate bone loss due to the pressure they place on the ridges of the bone.
Dental implants, however, are placed directly into the jawbone and fuse with it over the course of a few months in a process called osseointegration. It takes about 3-6 months for the bone to grow around the implant and become integrated for a durable and secure tooth restoration that does not shift around. Because the titanium post is implanted into the jawbone, it functions just like a natural tooth and stimulates the jawbone when you chew to prevent bone loss.
Implant-Retained Dentures
A compromising solution for those who like the best aspects of dentures and dental implants is to combine the two into one replacement system known as implant-retained dentures, also known as “All-on-4” or “hybrid dentures” This procedure involves placing a series of 4-6 implants that will hold a set of fixed dentures into place.
These dentures are not removable and have less plastic than conventional dentures, so they will feel much more like natural teeth and you won’t need to take them out at night to sleep. The dental implants will securely hold the denture in place, preventing the artificial teeth from shifting when you speak or eat, and promoting better bone health.
However, you must have adequate jaw bone density and structure to support dental implants or implant-retained dentures. If a patient does not have adequate bone health, they may require bone grafting surgery and/or sinus lifts before the implants can be placed.
Which Option is Right for Me?
If you’re deciding between dentures, dental implants, and implant-retained dentures, you will need to take into consideration your oral health, overall health, jawbone density, and how many teeth you are missing.
While dental implants are the only tooth-replacement system that preserves the jawbone, they are not suitable for everyone. A good candidate for dental implants is someone who is missing one or a few teeth, is in good overall health as well as oral health, and has adequate jawbone density.
Dentures are a good alternative for people who cannot afford dental implants or who are not suitable candidates due to inadequate oral health or other pre-existing medical conditions. Someone is also not a good candidate for dental implants if they have inadequate jaw bone structure or density.
Dentures may be a more time-friendly and cost-effective option for patients missing most or all of their teeth. Finally, implant-retained dentures are the best option for patients looking to simultaneously preserve their jawbone while replacing one or both arches of teeth.
Interested in Dental Implants or All-On-Four at Palmetto Dental Associates?
At Palmetto Dental Associates, we offer dental implants and implant-retained dentures to replace missing teeth while preventing bone loss in patients. To find out which is right for you, contact us or schedule an appointment with Dr. Thomas or Dr. Shull.