When you’ve been missing teeth for a while, it can be difficult to eat a full diet, speak clearly, and interact with the world with confidence. Worse yet, when you’re ready to restore your smile, your mouth may not be able to accept prosthetics immediately, especially if you’ve suffered from side effects like jawbone deterioration. If you’ve been considering replacing lost teeth with durable, lifelike dentures here’s a closer look at why you may not initially qualify, and how your dentist can help get your mouth ready to roll!
How Tooth Loss Affects the Jaw
Your natural teeth do more than just create a beautiful smile. They allow you to eat a healthy diet, smile brightly, and speak clearly. They also provide important stimulation to your jawbone that prevents your other teeth from shifting or falling out and can even keep the bone itself from deteriorating.
Although dentures sit atop the arches and don’t require a surgical attachment, if your jawbone is weakened, it still may not be strong enough to support them. In fact, the longer you go without teeth, the more your jaw can deteriorate. Studies have even shown that within just one year of tooth loss, you can lose up to half of its width!
Do I Qualify for Dentures?
Jawbone strength is just one requirement for dentures. Additionally, you should be in good oral health and free of gum disease or receiving treatment for it. You should also be willing to care for your restorations and your mouth properly, as failing to do so can cause them to become damaged and could even increase your risk of oral infection and other illnesses.
If you have experienced significant bone loss, your dentist can discuss options such as bone grafting, which can rebuild portions of the jaw, so it is strong enough to support your prosthetics.
Remember, just because you’ve been missing teeth for a while doesn’t mean you won’t qualify for dentures, but in order to get them, you may need to make some lifestyle changes to keep your mouth and prosthetics in good shape. To learn more about these durable, realistic restorations, schedule a consultation for dentures with your dentist today!
About Dr. Ulloa
Dr. Ernesto Ulloa earned his initial dental degree at the University of Medical Sciences at Villa Clara and his second from the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Since graduating, he has also earned his Invisalign certification and has taken a variety of continuing education courses through Spear Education to expand his vast dental knowledge. Additionally, he is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association and the North Carolina Dental Association. To learn more about dentures, schedule an appointment at Crafting Smiles by visiting our website or calling 919-220-4200.