Jawbone health is a primary factor when receiving any dental prosthetic. Whether it’s dentures or dental implants that you’re considering, only one can deliver a more comprehensive form of restorative care. Artificial teeth that rest solely on the gums offer a visual improvement by creating the appearance of a complete smile. However, those held in place by titanium posts go beyond what others see, rebuilding the roots as well as the crowns. Read on to discover the truth about dental implants and dentures and which one reigns supreme when it comes to jawbone preservation.
Why Does the Jawbone Matter?
The jawbone serves as the foundation for your smile. This means that it must remain dense and supportive, as your teeth sit within this area of your mouth and deliver continuous stimulation each time you bite down or chew.
Lack of jawbone density is often the result of missing teeth. The longer the time passes before replacements are provided, the greater the chances of bone resorption or weakening. Without a sturdy foundation, any kind of prosthetic is unlikely to remain successfully in place.
Dentures or Dental Implants: Which One Impacts the Jawbone?
Dental implants win the competition when determining which method of tooth replacement improves jawbone health.
Unlike dentures that only restore the crowns of missing teeth, dental implants consist of titanium posts that fit within the vacant sockets and remain positioned within the bone. Over time (3-6 months), they fuse with the underlying structure to create a firm base for your future smile.
Their permanent placement allows the metal abutments and customized crown, bridge, or denture to sit atop the implant post(s) and deliver improved oral function when it comes to eating and speaking. There is no concern that your teeth will shift or become loose; instead, they deliver a more confident solution that positively impacts your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Dentures may be a more affordable option and provide a pleasing aesthetic thanks to the updated materials used today, but if you want a permanent, longer-lasting set of teeth that also improves the health and function of your jawbone, the choice is easy: dental implants.
About Our Periodontal Team
Dr. Linda Park is a skilled periodontist who has more than half a decade of experience improving the health, aesthetics, and well-being of patients’ smiles. Receiving advanced training and certification in periodontology and dental implants from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, she is pleased to be a part of the Page Family Dental team. When treating those with missing teeth, she offers solutions that do more than improve one’s appearance. She also restores and rebuilds the foundation for a successful smile – the roots. If you prefer a more permanent way to achieve a complete set of teeth, contact us at (781) 284-5443.