Reading time: four minutes.
If you wear dentures or are considering them, it is important to know the hidden issue they may cause: bone loss.
While traditional dentures give you a complete smile and restore basic function, they do not address the deeper issue—the loss of bone tissue beneath the gum line.
In this blog, you will learn how dentures contribute to bone loss, why this is a problem, and what you can do to protect your oral health.
Traditional dentures only replace the visible part of missing teeth. They do not stimulate the jawbone, leading to bone loss, tissue shrinkage, unstable dentures, and long-term oral health complications.
How Bone Loss Begins
Bone loss begins when your natural teeth, specifically their roots, are no longer present to stimulate the jawbone.
Your natural tooth roots play a big role by signaling your body to maintain bone density when you chew or bite. When permanent teeth are extracted or lost, this stimulation stops, and your body starts absorbing the bone tissue, a process known as bone resorption.
Why Traditional Dentures Accelerate Bone Loss
Traditional dentures replace the visible part of your missing teeth—the crowns and the bone and gums that are lost. But the roots that are in the bone are not present so the denture does not replace their role in preserving gone.
Without the root function, your jawbone starts to shrink over time. As this bone resorption progresses, your gum tissue and underlying structures begin to shrink as well.
This tissue shrinkage causes dentures to become loose and poorly fitting. Ill-fitting dentures can cause constant friction and uneven pressure on your gums, accelerating the rate of bone degradation.
Over time, you may notice that you need frequent denture adjustments or even a new type of denture to achieve any level of comfort.
Aesthetic and Functional Impact of Bone Loss
Bone loss does more than change how your dentures fit; it can dramatically alter your appearance and overall oral function.
As your jawbone shrinks, you may experience what is known as “denture face”. Your facial structure can develop a sunken or aged appearance, making you appear older than you actually are. The lower portion of your face may collapse, leading to sagging skin, wrinkles around your mouth, and less defined cheeks.
This bone loss also affects your ability to chew properly, making it difficult to eat a variety of food that includes items like fresh vegetables, lean meats, and other nutrient-dense options.
Studies show that dentures function between 16 to 20% of the function of natural teeth. Over time, this can result in poor nutrition and impaired digestion, as your body may lack essential nutrients.
Key problems associated with bone loss include:
- changes in your facial structure
- difficulty chewing
- unstable dentures
This loss of stability can make life with dentures frustrating, particularly if you experience a loose denture that requires constant adjustments or denture adhesive.
Already a denture wearer? Check out this blog: What Is the Best Denture Adhesive? Our Top Picks
Psychological Effects of Bone Loss
The psychological toll of denture-related bone loss is significant.
You may feel self-conscious about changes in your appearance or frustrated with how your dentures fit. Speaking or eating in public can become a source of anxiety if you worry about your dentures slipping or causing discomfort.
The Solution: Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures can prevent bone loss and give you a permanent solution for stable, functional teeth.
Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are anchored by dental implants that integrate directly into your jawbone. These implants act as artificial teeth roots, stimulating the bone and preventing bone resorption.
Implant placement provides unparalleled stability, ensuring that your dentures will not slip or move unexpectedly.
Implant-supported dentures offer several benefits. They help maintain your bone density, improve denture retention, and restore your ability to enjoy a balanced diet with foods you might have avoided.
Bone Grafting for Severe Bone Loss
If you have already experienced severe bone loss, you may require bone grafting before dental implants can be placed.
Bone grafting involves adding bone material to rebuild areas with significant bone loss, ensuring sufficient jawbone density for implant placement. This procedure can be life-changing for denture patients who are candidates for implants but need additional bone growth.
In cases of extreme bone loss, oral surgeons may recommend zygomatic implants, which anchor to the cheekbone instead of the jawbone.
What If You Can’t Afford Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a significant investment, and we understand that they are not an option for everyone. That’s why we work with skilled denturists that craft exquisite dentures that fit comfortably and look great.
Book a Denture Consultation in Buffalo Grove, IL
If you are weighing your tooth replacement options, we can help. We offer personalized treatment options so that you can have a confident smile that you want to show off!
Our team can guide you through the benefits of traditional dentures vs implant-supported dentures and help you make a decision that suits your budget and lifestyle.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Buffalo Grove, IL, call (847) 215-1511 or visit us at 195 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 160, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089.
Check out these articles on our blog to learn more about bone loss and implant-supported dentures:
