{"id":332,"date":"2023-08-24T20:55:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-24T20:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oaktondentistrybydesign.com\/blog\/?p=332"},"modified":"2023-09-24T20:57:28","modified_gmt":"2023-09-24T20:57:28","slug":"can-it-be-too-late-to-replace-missing-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oaktondentistrybydesign.com\/blog\/2023\/08\/can-it-be-too-late-to-replace-missing-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Dentures After Prolonged Tooth Loss"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/a>Teeth are meant to last for a lifetime, but 23 million Americans have experienced complete tooth loss. 90% of adults with no teeth choose dentures to rebuild their smiles. It\u2019s best to replace your lost teeth as soon as possible to keep your mouth and body healthy. However, life can get busy and they are associated with a hefty price tag. If you\u2019ve been putting off replacing your teeth, it\u2019s never too late to complete your smile, but there are a few things you should know.<\/p>\n
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Missing Teeth and Bone Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Teeth are important for more than just a beautiful smile. They are essential for your oral and general health. Losing even one tooth causes your jawbone to shrink because it isn\u2019t being stimulated by the root. You can lose up to 25% of your jaw\u2019s density within the first year. Your bone will continue to shrink, increasing your risk of cavities, gum disease, and additional tooth loss. Even after all your teeth have fallen out, your bone can continue to shrink, causing your facial structures to change. You can look years older than your real age. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bone Loss and Dentures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve lost bone, you\u2019re still a candidate for dentures or dental implants. Your dentist will examine your mouth and review diagnostic imaging to have a complete picture of your dental health. Based on the results, they will create a personalized plan to replace your teeth. Depending on the amount of bone you\u2019ve lost, you may require a little prep work. Bone grafting can strengthen your jaw to ensure your replacement teeth have a strong foundation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The process requires oral surgery, but you won\u2019t feel anything while in the dentist\u2019s chair because sedation or anesthesia will be used. Your dentist will open your gum tissue to access your jawbone. They will insert grafted tissue onto the weak areas of your bone and suture your gums closed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can take many weeks for your gums to integrate with the graft. After your mouth has healed, you can move forward with getting dentures or dental implants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Options to Treat Tooth Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You have more options than ever to replace your lost teeth. Your dentist will explain which treatments are right for you, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Dentures:<\/strong> Traditional dentures rest on top of your gum tissue and are held in place using suction. They are made of high-quality materials to look and feel natural. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Implant Dentures:<\/strong> 4 to 10 implant posts are placed into your jawbone to support your denture. This creates a close replica of your real teeth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s never too late to turn back the clock. You can have a functional, beautiful smile again with a new set of teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Lower](\"https:\/\/www.oaktondentistrybydesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/denture-31-300x200.jpg\")
<\/a>Teeth are meant to last for a lifetime, but 23 million Americans have experienced complete tooth loss. 90% of adults with no teeth choose dentures to rebuild their smiles. It\u2019s best to replace your lost teeth as soon as possible to keep your mouth and body healthy. However, life can get busy and they are associated with a hefty price tag. If you\u2019ve been putting off replacing your teeth, it\u2019s never too late to complete your smile, but there are a few things you should know.<\/p>\n