Dentures typically cause up to 70% bone loss within the first several years of use. Partials can have similar effects. Denture prosthetics are designed to rest or ride on gum tissue and do not provide direct stimulation to the jawbone as normal teeth or implants do.
Dentures can be life-changing for people who have lost most or all their teeth. Traditional dentures are secured by the natural suction of the mouth and restore the appearance and function of the smile. However, this type of denture doesn't prevent bone loss because they don't replace the roots of the missing teeth.
Ill-fitting dentures can rub against the gums, causing painful irritation and inflammation. They can also put a strain on your jaw and facial muscles when you are eating and speaking, an issue that can exacerbate or even cause TMJ dysfunction.
Certain changes in your facial features and bite can indicate jawbone loss. When tissue volume decrease in your jaw, you may notice that your mouth seems to collapse into your face, your chin becomes more pointed, or wrinkles begin to form around the mouth.
Dentures that don't fit properly can affect the alignment of your chin and make your face look lopsided.
Types of Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant overdentures often require fewer implants, making them a better choice for patients with more bone loss. Also, because they are removable, they are easier to clean, especially for patients who are already used to removing their dentures to clean them.
For patients with significant bone loss due to prolonged tooth loss, dentists recommend a procedure called bone grafting. It is a surgical procedure that replaces a bone to help the jaw regenerate new bone cells and make them suitable for tooth replacement treatments.
A dental bone graft is a common procedure performed as a part of dental implants. In many cases, it is necessary to ensure the dental implants fuse properly with the jawbone for the secure hold of the dental restoration (crown, bridge, or complete denture).
Is the Procedure Painful? While bone grafting may sound scary, the procedure is routine, predictable, and should not be feared. Because bone grafting is performed while the patient is under anesthesia, there is virtually no pain during the procedure.
The cost of dental bone grafts varies widely, depending on the condition of the individual jawbone and the specific needs of the patient. A simple graft that uses synthetic bone usually ranges from $300 to $800 for each implant area.
Patients who are having supplemental procedures such as bone grafts and sinus lifts may also experience slightly more discomfort than say a patient who is undergoing a simple dental implant.
Fortunately, bone loss in the jaw can be reversed after its deterioration. Oral & Facial Surgery of Pittsburgh provides treatment options that help a patient to eat and speak clearly. Options for reversal include: Bone grafting – The most common treatment for jawbone atrophy is a bone graft.
In some cases, it may be too late for gum grafting to save the gums. If your gums are severely damaged, receding so far back that they expose the tooth's root, or if there is significant bone loss from advanced gum disease, gum grafting may not be able to restore them to their healthy state.
Patients who might not be a candidate for dentures are those who do not have enough healthy gum tissue and jawbone structure to support the dentures. If needed, however, these patients can restore the health of the gum tissue and bone structure to secure dentures in place at a later time.
Like anything new, dentures will need to be given some time to become accustomed to them. If you are not wearing your dentures on a daily basis, your gums will not be given enough time to experience the pressure and essentially will not become used to it.
Porcelain is harder than acrylic. This makes dentures more durable. Also, porcelain dentures provide excellent aesthetics since the replacement teeth look a lot more like natural teeth. This material is better for bearing the daily wearing of teeth while we talk, chew or bite.
Ever seen someone without their dentures? Facial collapse causes this on a smaller scale, evidenced by wrinkles in the corners of the mouth, loss of lip support, and overall shortening of the face to give an “aged” appearance.
By listening closely to the person, you may detect a lisp. This happens because the tongue and the mouth are not used to having dental plates. However, as time passes, the lisp will eventually disappear, and it will be impossible to know if the person is wearing a denture by observing the person's speech.
Some people worry that dentures will make them look older. Thankfully, this is far from the truth. Not only are today's dentures incredibly realistic looking, but if you pair them with dental implants, you'll end up with a smile that will look and feel completely natural.
Deteriorated jawbone will not regrow on its own. In some cases, you can make lifestyle changes that may encourage regeneration of jawbone that has been lost after tooth loss. These may include sticking to a healthy and nutritious diet and avoiding alcohol and tobacco products.
How long does it take for jaw bone to regenerate? For most patients, bone in the jaw will regenerate in 4 to 6 months, but it can take longer in some cases.
The good news is that bone loss is usually preventable with a good oral care routine. You'll want to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Removing plaque and other bacteria is key to stopping infection that could lead to bone loss. It's also essential to visit the dentist every six months.
The risks and complications you are taking for dental implants include infection, damage to other teeth, delayed bone healing, nerve damage, prolonged bleeding, jaw fractures and more.