A Second Chance to Smile: Are Dentures Possible After Long-Term Tooth Loss?

Spending years without a full set of teeth can take its toll. Your overall health can begin to suffer because of nutritional deficiencies caused by a poor diet, and your self-esteem can decline because you may no longer feel confident talking or being surrounded by others. However, with dentures, all of this can change, allowing you to take back your life and smile freely again. But are these prosthetic teeth possible after long-term tooth loss? Read on to discover what your dentist can do to restore and rebuild your smile and confidence.

What Happens After Tooth Loss?

Whether it’s losing multiple teeth (or an entire arch) to facial trauma or poor oral health, tooth loss gradually causes a decline in oral health, which can lead to additional problems forming throughout the body.

One of the most prominent issues is bone loss. Natural tooth roots offer stimulation to the jawbone each time you bite down or chew. However, once these teeth are no longer present, the underlying bone begins to weaken, which can lead to additional tooth loss.

Are Dentures a Possibility For Patients Suffering From Long-Term Tooth Loss?

It’s natural to wonder if dentures are a possible tooth replacement solution, but it ultimately depends on your case and your dentist’s evaluation.

In most situations, dentures will still be a viable option; however, some preliminary care may be required before these custom prosthetics or implant dentures – a more permanent solution – can be put into place.

For example, your dentist may recommend a bone graft. This procedure encourages greater jawbone density by placing your own or donor bone into the space that is lacking density. By combining it with any remaining bone, the two will fuse over time to create a more durable foundation for your dentures.

This is especially true if you choose to move forward with implant dentures, as the titanium posts must be positioned within the bone to support the placement of a new and fully customized set of teeth.

It doesn’t matter which type of denture you choose – traditional or implant-retained – as long as you have a strong and stable base to help hold them in place.

Even if you’ve been without a full set of teeth for several years, don’t discount the possibility of receiving dentures. With the right steps, you can prepare to see a new and improved smile that restores your appearance and oral function for years to come.

About the Author
Dr. Proshat Shahrestany knows tooth loss is a devastating reality for many patients, which is why our office provides customized dentures and dental implants. When recommending these kinds of treatment, we’ll make sure your mouth is in the best possible shape to receive these teeth, allowing you to fully embrace life with a new and fully functional smile. Let our team take away your worry by discussing your available options during a scheduled visit. Simply contact us at (818) 760-0200 to learn how we can help.