{"id":42,"date":"2021-03-23T16:32:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-23T16:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentalimpress.com\/blog\/?p=42"},"modified":"2021-03-25T16:36:33","modified_gmt":"2021-03-25T16:36:33","slug":"dentures-vs-implants-can-dentures-stop-bone-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dentalimpress.com\/blog\/2021\/03\/23\/dentures-vs-implants-can-dentures-stop-bone-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Dentures Vs Implants: Can Dentures Stop Bone Loss?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The older you get, the more likely you are to see gaps and empty space in your smile. Sadly, complete tooth loss is not as rare as you may like to think; it\u2019s estimated by the American College of Prosthodontists that as many as 30 percent of adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have no natural teeth. As such, when the time comes for you to get teeth replaced, you should be aware of the benefits and limitations of traditional dentures and dental implants. In particular, it\u2019s important to be aware of the risks of bone loss and which restorations can be used for jawbone preservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Do Missing Teeth Cause Bone Loss?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Think of your jawbone like a muscle. When it\u2019s being used on a regular basis, the body makes sure it\u2019s well-maintained, but if it\u2019s thought to no longer be needed, it will start to break down. Whenever you bite and chew your food, the jawbone receives stimulation. No teeth means no stimulation, and that can very quickly lead to a loss of bone tissue and density.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Dentures Stop Bone Loss?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The short answer is no, simply due to the way that dentures in Mesquite work. The restoration will sit directly on the gums and will be held in place with natural suction or an adhesive. This is enough to let you smile confidently and eat a healthy variety of foods, but it won\u2019t do anything to prevent bone loss because your new teeth will not directly interact with the jawbone. In fact, there\u2019s evidence to suggest that dentures might contribute to the breakdown of the jawbone by restricting the flow of blood in the gums and inhibiting the delivery of important nutrients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Dental Implants a Better Option?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to stopping or reversing bone loss, there are no other choices; dental implants are the only way to make sure that your jaw continues getting the stimulation it needs. The implant posts integrate with the jawbone and perform all the previous functions of tooth roots, which helps keep the jaw healthy in the long term. This is in addition to various other benefits, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n