Toothy Timing: Have I Waited Too Long to Get Dentures?

Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for restoring your smile after tooth loss because they rebuild your mouth’s appearance and functionality at the same time. However, they rely on a firm suction against the connective tissues that cover the bony ridges in your mouth to remain in place all day.

This also requires that you have a sufficiently strong jawbone to support them, but did you know that it starts to thin after pearly whites go missing? If you’re worried you’ve waited too long after they fell out to replace them, read on to learn why there’s still hope!

How Does Tooth Loss Impact My Jaw?

Would you be surprised to learn that the roots of your teeth help preserve your jaw? They stimulate new bone growth each time you bite down, which keeps it active and healthy under normal circumstances. Unfortunately, that means you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding bone mass within the first year of one falling out.

Your jaw can eventually become too frail to support your remaining teeth, resulting in further tooth loss. Your bony ridges also start to flatten, making it difficult to wear your prosthetics or keep them securely in place.

Am I A Good Candidate for Dentures?

Potentially, anyone who is missing teeth can benefit from this treatment, but that doesn’t make it the best way to rebuild everyone’s smile. Before proceeding, you must consult your dentist to ensure you’re a good candidate.

At your appointment, your dentist will examine your mouth and treat any pre-existing issues that might interfere with dentures, such as gum disease or tooth decay that has permeated your jawbone. They’ll also measure your jaw’s density to determine whether it can support your desired restoration.

Is it Too Late for Me to Get Dentures?

After your provider examines your condition, they can provide an appropriate treatment plan to help rebuild your grin. If they find that your jawbone is too frail, don’t lose hope! Sometimes, an additional bone graft procedure can bulk it up enough for you to proceed.

Otherwise, they might recommend a different solution, such as implant dentures. This involves placing anywhere from 4 to 8 rods, typically made from titanium or zirconia, into your jaw. It can take several months to recover from your oral surgery, as that’s how long it takes your mouth to generate enough new bone growth to fuse with the implants. These poles function like roots to stimulate and strengthen your jawbone and can anchor specially designed dentures for a more permanent treatment.

Although your dentist can help rebuild your smile even if it’s been a while since your teeth fell out, it’s usually recommended that you seek an appropriate replacement as soon as possible!

Meet the Author

Dr. Bob Heil has 20+ years of experience helping families enhance their lives by improving their oral health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Minnesota and underwent his General Practice Residency at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. Today, he’s a valued member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association, to stay abreast of the latest dental technology and techniques. He provides a comprehensive menu of services under one roof, including customized dentures made to look and feel as lifelike as possible. You can request an appointment on the website or call (920) 235-0320.