Implants vs. Dentures: Can Dentures Prevent Bone Loss?

Did you know that 120 million American adults are missing at least one tooth? If you are a part of this statistic, then you may be considering dentures or implants to restore your smile, bite, and speech. While each of these options are tested, safe, and effective tooth replacement solutions, it is important to consider their long-term benefits, like jawbone preservation. Read on for how missing teeth can lead to bone loss and how dental implants can help!

How Missing Teeth Lead to Bone Loss

Did you know that up to 25% of the bone near a missing tooth can be lost in just one year? So, it’s not surprising that patients who are missing one or more teeth are concerned about preserving their jawbone. With your natural set, the force you exert while you chew or bite travels through your teeth and effectively stimulates the bone. However, since dentures rest on your gums, they are unable to provide the same stimulus, which leads to deterioration. Fortunately, dental implants can help!

Why Dental Implants Are the Superior Tooth Replacement Option

When it comes to replacing one or more missing teeth, it’s no secret that dentures are the cost-effective option. However, it is important to remember that they don’t have the advantage of jawbone preservation. Conversely, dental implants are surgically inserted directly into the bone, so they provide the same stimulation that your natural teeth do. Therefore, they can effectively preserve your jawbone while simultaneously restoring your bite force.

5 Additional Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are known for their unparalleled durability and impressive 95% success rate, but they offer patients more than just that! In fact, patients who opt for this popular tooth replacement solution can also enjoy that:

• They are completely customized to match your natural teeth.
• They are cavity-resistant.
• They are easy to care for (so you can say goodbye to pesky food restrictions and special cleaning solutions).
• They prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.
• They can last 20+ years.

Both dentures and dental implants can fill the gaps in your teeth, restore your bite, and improve your speech. However, only one can stimulate your jawbone and prevent deterioration. If you are missing one, a few, or an entire arch of teeth, talk to your dentist today.

About the Author

Dr. Christopher J. Holland earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1990 from the prestigious University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Over two decades later, he has continued to stay up-to-date on the latest technology through advanced training in a multitude of specialties, including dental implants. In fact, that is one of the reasons San Antonio magazine named Dr. Holland one of their top dentists! If you would like to speak with him about replacing one or more missing teeth, visit his website or give him a call at 210-804-1558.