Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Best For Jawbone Preservation?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 adults over the age of 65 is missing all of their teeth. Plus, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recently shared that a whopping 70% of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth. Fortunately, there are two tried-and-true, lifelike tooth-replacement options available today: dentures and dental implants. But which one can address the aesthetic of your smile while also providing jawbone preservation? Read on for the answer!

Why Missing Teeth Results in Bone Loss

Shockingly, as much as 25% of the bone near a missing tooth can be lost in the first year alone. Why? When you bite and chew, the pressure you exert travels through your teeth and down to your jawbone, which provides stimulation. The gap in your teeth can’t exert that level of force, which causes your body to gradually break down the bone. Over time, this can result in significant changes to your facial structure, which is why opting for a tooth-replacement that can preserve your jawbone is essential.

Can Dentures Preserve Your Jawbone?

Although dentures come with a variety of benefits, they are not able to effectively stimulate your jawbone. That is because both partial and full dentures rest against your gums and are not anchored into the bone. Unfortunately, there is even some research that suggests wearing dentures can increase bone atrophy, resulting in substantial jawbone shrinkage.

Why Dental Implants Are the Superior Solution

Unlike dentures, dental implants are able to rebuild the entire tooth’s structure from root to crown. By inserting a titanium post directly into the jawbone, the implant itself can fuse with the bone, resulting in unmatched durability and averting bone loss. Plus, this state-of-the-art tooth-replacement option avoids embarrassing slippage, provides maximum stability, and can last 20+ years with proper care.

Choosing between dentures or implants can initially seem overwhelming. After all, they both are natural-looking, effective at addressing advanced tooth loss, and safe. However, when it comes to jawbone preservation, there is one clear winner: dental implants.

About the Practice

At Blue Coast Dental Group, patients and their smiles can benefit from the latest in proven dental technology, a highly experienced team, and comfort-based patient amenities designed to make your time with us as enjoyable as possible. If you are struggling with tooth loss, you’ll be happy to learn we provide modern dentures and can complete the entire dental implant process in-house, thanks to the help of our periodontist. To learn more about the pros and cons of each tooth-replacement option, visit our website or give us a call at 310-424-3100.