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Dentures are an incredibly popular way to restore someone’s smile and help them regain their self-confidence. But when it comes to wearing dentures 24/7, there is a lot that you need to take into consideration. For example, should you sleep with your dentures in? What kind of maintenance is needed for nighttime wear? And what effect might round-the-clock use have on your gum and oral health? 

Dentures can be transformative for patients who suffer from missing or broken teeth, allowing them to eat, speak, and laugh with confidence in social situations and improve their overall quality of life. In this blog post, we will explore all of these questions and more so that you can wear your dentures confidently without any worries!

Can you wear dentures 24/7? 

Wearing dentures 24/7 is a bad habit that can have unintended consequences affecting both your health and the longevity of your dentures. Let’s discuss some of the real reasons why it is not OK to wear dentures all day and all night:

1. Unhealthy Tissue

Imagine the bacteria present and the smell released if you were to wear your shoes continually for weeks at a time, never taking them off to allow your skin to breathe. The skin that covers your feet requires air circulation in order to remain healthy.

2. Denture Stomatitis

Denture stomatitis is a condition of the tissues that line the inside of the mouth. It occurs in areas that are covered by dentures and causes inflammation of the underlying tissue. The fiery red, swollen tissue may also be accompanied by a burning sensation that can be quite painful, making dentures difficult to wear.

3. Respiratory Issues

By exposing your mouth and throat to the bacteria present on dentures while sleeping, you increase your risk for colds, respiratory infections, and pneumonia. Wearing dentures 24/7 makes you twice as likely to develop life-threatening pneumonia compared to someone who routinely removes their dentures while they sleep.

4. Accelerated Bone Loss

Dentures put added pressure on the gum tissue and bony ridges that support them. Constant pressure from wearing dentures all day and all night accelerates bone resorption, a process that results in a gradual decrease in bone quantity and density. With bone loss comes inadequate support for the dentures, causing them to not fit correctly and fall out more easily.

5. Adequate Cleaning

People who are wearing dentures 24/7 typically spend less time cleaning their dentures than people who soak them while sleeping. Dentures become coated with bacteria and plaque that must be removed daily. Plaque that is not completely removed will lead to the formation of toxin-containing tartar.

Oral hygiene must be maintained to keep your mouth healthy and prolong the life of your dentures. Once tartar forms, it becomes hardened and very difficult to remove. Tartar buildup not only affects the appearance of your dentures; it can also affect their fit. Removing the dentures allows you to spend more time caring for them.

6. An Exception

There is one main exception to the rule: it is OK to wear dentures all day and all night for the first few nights after having teeth extracted when immediate dentures are placed. There are specific reasons for this:

• Bleeding Control: The pressure applied by your dentures helps to control bleeding.
• Swelling: Post-operative swelling may prevent you from reinserting your dentures if they are removed for more than a few hours.
• Bone Conforms to Denture: The denture helps shape the pliable bone after extractions.

Once 72 hours have passed after having extractions, a regular denture hygiene routine should be established that includes removing your dentures while you sleep.

Can I Sleep in My Dentures?

The short answer is: You can wear your dentures all day and all night but it is not recommended or advisable. Wearing dentures to bed leads to health issues that have very real consequences ranging from sore gums to pneumonia. It is far easier to take steps to prevent the problem than it is to resolve it once it occurs. This article about wearing dentures at night discusses some of the health contraindications of wearing dentures 24/7.

Are you struggling with incomplete dentures? Are your thoughts running wild about what treatment would be the best fit for you? Replacing or re-lining of your dentures can help make them fit properly and more comfortable in your mouth. But if you are unsure when to do a reline, then it is important that you gain an understanding of the signs and symptoms that suggest they need a reline, as well as what types of relines exist. Read on to learn everything you need to know about when to perform a denture reline and how it affects their performance!

What is a denture reline?

When dentures no longer fit well a denture reline may be needed. A denture reline is when a dental prosthetist will modify your dentures by adding material to the part of the dentures that come in contact with your gum surface to make the dentures fit better. It’s a very common procedure and a normal part of having dentures.

Why do people need denture relines?

The human body is amazing, efficient, and very smart – sometimes to a fault. When someone loses teeth, the body realizes that the bone structure that was previously used to hold those teeth in place is no longer needed. The resources used to maintain that part of the jawbone can be better used elsewhere in the body. This leads to the jawbone shrinking. The process is slow, but noticeable over time. Dentures are usually customs made to perfectly fit an individual’s jaw and gum structure. As the jawbone shrinks, the dentures no longer fit.

How often do dentures need a reline?

A dental prosthetist will usually perform a denture reline every 2 years. It is possible that a patient will need a denture reline before two years, or someone may not need any denture work at 2 years and beyond. Everyone is different, but 2 years tends to be the general rule of thumb.

Knowing when to reline dentures

It’s important to know when to reline dentures, so here are some signs that you should lookout for as an indication that you need to talk to your dental prosthetist about having a denture reline.

• It’s been about two years since you received your dentures or since your last denture reline
• You have difficulty eating and chewing your food
• Pain or discomfort that won’t go away

How long does it take?

The good news is that a denture reline is a fairly quick procedure. It usually takes about two hours to reline dentures. The dental prosthetist will first clean your dentures. Then they will grind away a small amount of material in the area where the dentures come in contact with your gums. They may also grind away any material that is causing you discomfort. Finally, they will use a special resin to mold the dentures to your mouth. All of this in less than a day.

Dentures are one of the greatest dental advancements since the invention of the humble toothbrush. Dentures enable a person to chew and enjoy food, speak clearly, and have a nice smile. Dentures improve the overall quality of life for people who have teeth missing. Unfortunately, dentures sometimes lose their fit and need special maintenance from a dental prosthetist. A dental reline is the procedure a dental prosthetist will perform to get your dentures fitting like new again.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have teeth that stayed out all the time, giving you a perfect Hollywood smile? Well, nowadays there is a way to do just that — magnetic dentures! Magnetic dentures are becoming increasingly popular in dental clinics around the world as an alternative solution for patients who want stronger and more reliable dentures. But just how practical are they? Can they really stand up to the rigors of daily life or will they give out when faced with crunchy foods and drinks like hot coffee? Let’s take a look at how magnetic dentures work and why some people find them so attractive.

Magnetic Dentures: The Basics

Magnetic dentures are a special type of implant overdentures that utilize magnets at the junction of the implant with the overdenture to secure the denture into place. Usually, there are two or more implants employing the same magnetic system for a single denture.

The connection consists of two magnets of opposing poles: a one-piece magnetic implant abutment screwed directly onto the dental implant and a magnet polymerized within the removable denture base. The magic happens when the magnets come into contact with one another, causing the denture to become secure.

The Procedure

Much like all implant-supported dentures, titanium dental implants are surgically placed within the jawbone in selected locations and allowed to integrate with the bone for four to six months before a final denture is created that contains the special attachments that connect the removable denture to the implants. 

The difference is that magnetic dentures utilize magnetized denture abutments screwed to the top of the implants that align with oppositely-charged magnets within the base of the denture. These magnetic forces allow the denture to lock into the correct position with every insertion. 

Who Can Get Magnetic Dentures?

Anyone who wears implant-supported dentures can be a candidate for magnetic dentures. Dentures with magnetic attachments are especially beneficial for elderly patients with poor eyesight, for those who have problems with dexterity, or for patients with health issues such as arthritis who have difficulty overcoming the friction associated with standard mechanical-type locator attachments to remove their dentures for cleaning.

Benefits

Magnetic denture attachments offer a number of advantages over traditional stabilization methods. But don’t insist on using this method until you understand the pros and the cons. A qualified implant dentist will discuss the results that you can expect with the various denture stabilization technologies at your disposal. First, let’s mention some of the benefits that magnetic dentures offer.

1. Easy to Clean

Because there are no housings or abutment attachments with exposed nooks and crannies to collect debris, daily denture cleaning is managed using only liquid soap and water placed on a denture brush.

2. No Parts to Wear Out

Since there are no rubber rings or flexible attachments located within the denture base, there are no parts to wear out over time, saving on maintenance costs.

3. Ease of Insertion

Most implant dentures utilize locator attachments to secure the denture to the implant. These sometimes become a place where fine particles of debris hide, making the denture not line up or snap into place correctly. The self-aligning feature of magnetic implant dentures allows them to slide into their correct orientation and position every time. 

Considerations

Along with the many benefits that magnetic dentures offer, no denture attachment system is perfect. Therefore, we must mention some of the things that are important to consider before making a final decision.

1. Surgical Intervention

Implant placement can truly be life-changing. While better denture stability, added comfort, and improved nutrition are big benefits to many elderly denture wearers, not every patient is an appropriate candidate for dental implant placement surgery. 

2. Inadequate Bone Density

Some patients, particularly those who have worn dentures for decades, may no longer possess adequate bone height or width to place dental implants securely within a stable jawbone. There are bone grafting solutions available which, unfortunately, can add to the time involved and the total cost of treatment. 

3. Metal Components

Although most magnetic denture systems have magnetized metal enclosed within a capsule, some systems do contain trace amounts of nickel that can cause a tissue reaction for certain patients. Some magnets are enclosed within a stainless-steel body or are coated with an inert ceramic material to limit nickel exposure and improve the resistance to abrasion and corrosion. 

Dentures can be a lifesaver for those who have lost their teeth, but if you’ve been diagnosed with bone loss in your jaw, is wearing dentures even still an option? The short answer: absolutely! Whether you’re facing severe tooth decay or periodontal disease, dentures still remain a viable solution — as long as some key considerations are taken into account. Let’s take a deeper dive to understand how denture care is managed when faced with the unique complications of jawbone deterioration.

Types of Dentures and Bone Loss

Wearing dentures, in general, can prove to be challenging. Depending on the type of dentures you wear, wearing dentures can be more frustrating when there is less bone. In addition to having less bone for dentures to rest upon, bone loss can also contribute to your face having a collapsed look that makes you appear prematurely older than your actual age.

1. Full Dentures

After the extraction of all of the teeth, the jawbone no longer has the function to support natural teeth. Without a purpose, it begins the process of naturally dissolving away. 

2. Partial Dentures

Partial dentures can be the easiest type of denture to transition to and to wear with localized bone loss because the support for the partial is derived from the remaining natural teeth. As long as the supporting teeth remain solid and free from disease, a partial can be a very comfortable and economical solution to replace a few missing teeth.

3. Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are a “best guess” idea of what is likely to happen after dental extractions. When patients have experienced bone loss before the removal of their teeth, the amount of bone resorption and tissue shrinkage that occurs right after extractions is generally more dramatic than a patient without bone loss will experience. This means that the immediate denture will likely be loose right away.

Can You Wear Dentures If You Have Bone Loss?

Certainly, even with bone loss, you can wear dentures. Wearing dentures is challenging for all denture patients in the beginning. Getting used to wearing and chewing with a prosthetic substitute takes time, practice, and patience. Dentures are a foreign object; they don’t automatically feel comfortable the first time you wear them. Persevere and don’t give up. Look at all of the people before you, with or without bone loss, who have mastered dentures. You can too.

Bone Grafts for Dentures

Depending upon the severity of your bone loss and overall health, it may be possible to undergo bone grafting surgery for dental implants to be placed. Doing this allows a denture to be stabilized and anchored into place. Many people go from wearing traditional dentures that are okay to experiencing a world of difference when their dentures snap into place, making the denture feel much more natural to speak and chew without worrying that it might slip. Bone grafts put back the bone you’ve lost and enable you to improve your appearance and comfort while preventing additional bone loss. Talk about revolutionary treatment!

Process of Preparing for Dentures with Bone Loss

If you have some of your natural teeth remaining, don’t go down without a fight. Wearing partial dentures stabilized by some natural teeth is almost always more desirable and easier to wear than complete dentures. That’s why it is important to maintain the health of your remaining teeth and gums for as long as practical.

While traditional dentures are a suitable solution for people who have lost all their natural teeth, implant-supported dentures can improve your quality of life. If you are a candidate for implants, the results can be life-changing! Proper maintenance is required to assure that the investment in your better health lasts for a lifetime.

If you’ve recently been fitted with new dental implants, chances are your smile has never looked better. But once the novelty of a dazzling grin wears off, you may be thinking about something else—namely, how in the world do you eat with them? After all, it’s not like regular teeth where you can just bite into an apple without worrying about the consequences. 

Getting used to implant-supported eating can take some getting used to — but don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ll provide helpful tips and tricks for adjusting to life with dental implants when it comes time to eat.

Foods to Eat Immediately After Getting Dental Implants

As you are not permitted to eat six hours before your dental implant procedure, don’t be surprised if you wake up feeling hungry! However, you need to wait at least an hour before having your first snack post-surgery.

This is because the gauze sponges placed on your surgery site need to remain in your mouth for the first hour after surgery.

Once they are removed, go easy on yourself. The first 24-48 hours are crucial for your healing post-surgery. You may also be experiencing some discomfort and heightened sensitivity.

Starting one hour after your dental surgery and continuing for the next 48 hours, stick to the following diet:

1. You should only consume liquids. For example, we recommend drinking smooth cold soups (nothing chunky), broths, applesauce, meal replacement drinks, smoothies, protein drinks, and juices.

2. Do not drink your liquids through a straw or water bottle. Doing so requires suction, which can then put pressure on your implant site and disrupt clotting.

3. All liquids must be cool. Avoid any hot foods or beverages. Soups may be a fantastic post-surgery meal; however, they must be served cold.

4. Do not drink alcoholic beverages or smoke.

5. Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is an important part of your recovery. Furthermore, we recommend taking in more fluids after any procedure that uses general anesthesia.

Foods to Eat in the Weeks After Dental Implant Surgery

Once the first 48 hours are up, you can start introducing soft foods into your diet. The healing process has now started. However, you should still avoid chewing as much as possible. As your gums heal, you can introduce more solid foods that require some chewing.

A low level of discomfort is to be expected. However, pain is a sign that your mouth isn’t ready. You should wait to re-introduce chewier foods. If the pain continues, contact your dentist. That being said, we recommend that most patients stick to a soft-food diet for the first 10-14 days. Eating foods that are high in protein and vitamin C will help your mouth heal faster.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Cooked cereal grains are nutritious and easy to eat. For example, consider adding oatmeal or cream of wheat to your diet.
2. Mashed, baked, boiled, or fried potatoes (or sweet potatoes) are also good choices during the first few weeks. Plus, they’re an easy way to add some variety to your diet. No crispy French fries though!
3. Eggs such as scrambled, poached, or in omelets are also great. They’re soft, high in protein, and rich in vitamin D.
4. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and soft cheeses offer valuable calcium, which is essential for strong teeth.
5. Don’t forget about your greens. Cook leafy greens like kale and spinach until they’re soft and easy to chew.
6. Initially, any meat you eat should be tender and soft. Soft-cooked fish like salmon, cod, or halibut are great options.

Foods to Avoid After Getting Dental Implants

Now that you know what you can eat (and when), it’s time to look into what you should avoid. Do not eat the following foods:

1. Crunchy foods (chips, hard-shell tacos)
2. Chewy foods (gummies, dried fruit)
3. Sticky foods (taffy, candy)
4. Spicy foods (salsa, hot peppers)
5. You should also avoid consuming large quantities of acidic foods even though, as we mentioned earlier, many acidic foods (like fruits) offer vital vitamin C.

Are you the proud owner of dentures that have seen better days? Are they cracked, broken or chipped and in need of repair? You might think that this is a problem that requires you to visit your dentist, however it’s actually quite easy to make simple repairs at home. In this blog post we’ll take a look at how exactly denture repairs are performed so you can get back to having your perfect smile!

Denture Repairs

The Type Of Damage

There is more than one type of denture damage. Denture teeth can chip or come out of the denture, the base of the denture can break, cracks can develop, and more. The type of denture damage will determine how your dentures are repaired. Denture teeth can be individually repaired and replaced, as can denture base breaks. Typically, mild denture repairs can be completed quickly and you can have your dentures back on the same day. More severe damage may take longer, but these denture repairs will also be fairly quick if your denturist makes their dentures in-house.

1. Mild Damage

If the base (which is the part of the denture that looks like your gums) breaks, it will need to be relined and set into place. Your denturist will clean off the dentures and use an adhesive to repair the break. Sometimes your denturist may need to remove a bit of the existing material to place a better, stronger adhesive on the dentures. This can be done on the base, but if a denture tooth comes out, some parts of the gum surrounding the tooth may also be removed and replaced. If the denture teeth only have a small crack or chip, they can be repaired without needing to be replaced.

2. Severe Damage

If your denture is fully split, if pieces of your denture are missing, or if denture teeth are damaged to the point that they can’t be salvaged, you will need more extensive denture repairs. A mold will be made of your mouth and the denturist will make a new denture base or tooth, depending on the damage. But this doesn’t mean you need to get an entirely new denture; your denturist will use the undamaged teeth from your existing dentures so that costs are minimized.

3. Relines And Rebases

Two common forms of denture repairs are relines and rebases. A denture rebase is when the denture base has to be replaced. While this is sometimes due to severe damage, it can also be necessary if dentures become warped, which typically occurs if the dentures are left out of water overnight. Denture relines are an adjustment to the denture that ensures proper denture fit. A denture reline may be needed if dentures get dropped and no longer fit quite right, but denture relines are often needed as your mouth naturally changes shape over time.

All in all, denture repairs are a common and straightforward procedure. If you find that your dentures need some attention, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment. Our skilled professionals will have you looking and feeling great in no time!

Dental crowns serve numerous purposes, including repairing damaged teeth, strengthening weak teeth, replacing missing teeth, and making cosmetic modifications. At Smiles Tempe Family Dentistry, we are committed to utilizing the latest technology and techniques to deliver high-quality restorations with incredibly lifelike results.

Dental crowns can be an important treatment for your teeth, restoring strength and helping to protect against further damage. If you’ve been to the dentist lately, there’s a good chance you may have heard that a dental crown could benefit your oral health- but how do you know if it is really necessary? 

In this post, we will discuss what dental crowns are and explore the key signs that suggest a tooth may need one. We’ll also share some information on topics such as the cost of getting fitted with a dental crown and the materials they come in so that you’re better informed when making decisions about your mouth health!

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown or “cap” is a restoration that fully encases the visible portion of a damaged tooth, enhancing its health, strength, and appearance. Crowns are sized and contoured similarly to your natural teeth, allowing for normal chewing function.

Why Would You Need a Dental Crown?

• Deep Decay: If you have a tooth with extensive decay and insufficient structure remaining to support a large filling, you will require a dental crown. Your restoration will support the affected tooth and restore its strength, health, and structural integrity.
• Large Fillings: In some cases, a tooth with a large filling may require fortification. A dental crown may be the best option to protect the affected tooth and prevent fracture or further damage.
• A fractured or cracked tooth: A fractured, cracked, or broken tooth will not heal on its own and may cause severe pain and discomfort. Covering and supporting the affected tooth with a dental crown will relieve your discomfort and restore your healthy, functional smile.
• Root Canal Therapy: A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy will become brittle and prone to fracture. That’s why, in most cases, we recommend placing a crown for protection after undergoing endodontic treatment.
• Replacing Missing Teeth: Dental crowns can replace one or more missing teeth by covering dental implants or supporting dental bridges. They deliver incredibly natural-looking and feeling results, comparable to healthy, natural teeth.
• Cosmetic Enhancement: Dental crowns are aesthetic restorations that are often used to improve a smile’s appearance. They can mask imperfections in terms of a tooth’s color, size, length, shape, or alignment, delivering flawless results.

Dental crowns can be a great way to protect your teeth and make them look their best. However, they are not always necessary. If you are unsure if you need a dental crown, talk to your dentist. They will be able to assess your needs and help you make the best decision for your oral health. Thanks for reading! We hope this article was helpful in answering some of your questions about dental crowns. Is it time for you to schedule a visit with the dentist? We can help! Give us a call today to set up an appointment.

Piercings have become increasingly popular in recent times. While most people think of facial piercings solely when they hear that term, many ignore the danger of oral piercings; even seemingly harmless ones like tongue rings can have serious health repercussions if not properly cared for. As a general dentist and healthcare provider, I’m here to provide insight into the potential complications associated with oral piercings so you can be aware of these risks should you choose to get one!

According to general dentists, oral piercings can actually be hazardous to your health. Your personal style is how you portray yourself, and you may have considered oral piercings as part of this. However, you may not realize that these piercings can harm your gums and mouth. This also includes your teeth.

Problems with Tongue and Ling Rings

While no piercing is completely safe, oral piercings are especially dangerous. Patients can have an allergic reaction or have the area become infected. There are several problems that oral piercings can cause for individuals, which can include:

1. Fidgeting damage: it can be difficult to resist playing with the oral piercing in the mouth. This can cause the teeth to become cracked or chipped. Fillings can become damaged and the soft tissues can get injured
2. Nerve damage: if an oral piercing is in the tongue, it can damage the nerves there
3. Gum damage: when an oral piercing rubs against the gums, it can cause the tissue to wear away. This can cause the roots of the teeth to be exposed
4. Infections: a piercing can allow bacteria in the mouth to go into the bloodstream
5. Drooling: an object such as a piercing can stimulate the saliva glands and cause the individual to drool more
6. X-rays: because piercings show up as bright objects on X-rays, the piercings can obscure other parts of the mouth

Problems with Oral Piercings and Braces

For patients with braces, oral piercings can pose a problem. A piercing can easily become tangled with the orthodontic appliance, damaging the braces. This can also cause injuries around the piercing area. General dentists recommend that patients wait until after braces before choosing an oral piercing.

The Proper Way to Take Care for an Oral Piercing 

An oral piercing can cause damage to the mouth and the teeth. However, for patients who decide to go ahead with the piercing, it is important to properly care for it. One of the most important parts of caring for an oral piercing is proper oral hygiene.

Patients should clean the piercing area after each meal, snack or beverage. This can prevent food particles from getting trapped in the area. Patients should also remove the piercing before physical activity, which will reduce the risk of any injuries or damage. To prevent the piercing from damaging the teeth, patients should resist the urge to play with the piercing in the mouth. This can cause cracked teeth.

If a patient notices signs of infection, then it is important to go to the general dentist immediately. Signs of infection can include pain, swelling, redness, fever or chills.

Visit Your Dentist Today

While getting an oral piercing may not be the ideal situation, caring for the piercing properly can help to minimize damage. Good oral hygiene is a must for anyone with an oral piercing. This includes proper cleaning after each meal or snack. If you are thinking about getting an oral piercing, you should make an appointment with a general dentist to discuss your options.

Our teeth have many important functions. We need them to chew our food, talk, and smile. But have you ever considered their role in holding up your face? When we lose teeth, the bone around the site of the extraction begins to shrink. This, in turn, causes our facial muscles to sink in and collapse. People with missing teeth not only have an unsightly gap in their smile, but they also begin to look older because of the bone recession and eventual facial sagging.  It is not simply an issue of attractiveness – it poses serious health dangers. Without a replacement tooth or dental solution, 25% of bone is lost within the first year of a tooth extraction and will continue to deteriorate over time.

Bone loss can occur for a number of reasons, but the most common cause of bone loss is the result of a missing tooth or several teeth which have not been replaced or substituted. Natural teeth that are embedded in the jawbone help stimulate bone growth through chewing and biting. When missing teeth are left untreated, the bone no longer receives this stimulation, causing the bone to resorb.

 Bone Metabolism

We sometimes think of bone as a solid mass, unlike the softer tissues in our body. In reality, below the seemingly rock-hard surface, bone tissue is full of small holes – kind of like a sponge. In the interior bone tissue, the bone is continuously regenerating itself. This critical process is sometimes called “bone metabolism.” In the jaw bone, the movement of the teeth stimulates this process of rebuilding. When the tooth is gone, the bone starts to shrink as blood flow is reduced.

What causes bone loss?

The most common causes for jawbone deterioration and loss include:

1. Tooth extractions

Natural teeth help stimulate bone growth through various activities, including biting and chewing. When a tooth is extracted but not replaced, that portion of the jawbone no longer receives the required stimulation and starts to deteriorate and resorb.

2. Gum disease

Serious gum infections such as gingivitis or periodontitis damage soft tissue and destroy the bone structure that supports your teeth.

Dental plaque is the most common form of tooth decay and the primary cause of gingivitis. Plaque is easily preventable with daily brushing and flossing, but if left unchecked, can harden into a rough, porous substance known as tartar. This can occur both above and below the gum line and can irritate the gums, causing them to become inflamed, red, swollen and bleed easily.

3. Dentures or bridgework

Loose dentures that are placed on top of the gum line may not necessarily provide any direct stimulation to the underlying jawbone and rely on the current bone structure to be held securely into place.

4. Trauma

If a tooth is knocked out or damaged and can no longer provide the stimulation received from biting or chewing, jawbone loss may occur. Common forms of trauma are usually the result of a sport-related injury, including jaw fractures, knocked out, cracked or chipped teeth.

5. Misalignment

Bone loss can occur from misalignment when teeth are no longer providing direct stimulation as a result of not having an opposing tooth structure. Other misalignment issues, including TMJ, wisdom teeth erupting, lack of treatment and normal wear-and-tear can also result in the inability to perform natural activities such as chewing and biting.

Bone loss can occur for a number of reasons, only your dentist will be able to provide you with the exact cause and the type of dental solution needed to prevent any further loss.

Dental Implants Can Prevent Bone Recession

Modern dentistry to the rescue! Dental implant technology provides a tooth restoration solution that maintains healthy bone metabolism while providing near-normal tooth function. For patients missing many (or all) of their teeth, it may not be possible to replace every single tooth with an implant. In many of these cases, dental implants can be used to provide an anchor for a partial denture.