The jawbone begins to slowly atrophy due to lack of exercise after tooth loss. If left unaddressed after enough teeth have been lost, this process of bone loss will go on until the mouth is left with a withered appearance and the jawbone is too small to support dental replacements. However, you may still be eligible to receive dentures even if you’ve been missing all your teeth for a few years. Here’s a brief guide to the process of getting dentures if your jawbones are a little too thin.

Why Does the Jawbone Atrophy After Tooth Loss?

The teeth stimulate the jawbone by working against it during the chewing process, which gives its bone structure the exercise it needs to stay healthy and strong. After a tooth is lost, this exercise is lost with it, which causes the section of the jawbone that supported the tooth to gradually shrink away. This can pull neighboring teeth out of alignment, which leaves them more vulnerable to injury, decay, and further tooth loss. Eventually, the patient’s mouth may be left with an unflattering sunken appearance.

Can I Still Get Dentures If I Haven’t Had Teeth in Years?

During your consultation, your dentist will carefully evaluate your oral health to determine the best way to replace your lost teeth. While dentures require patients to have sufficient bone mass in their jaws to be successful, those with thin jawbones should not yet despair about replacing their teeth. Many people with insufficient bone mass can receive dentures after undergoing procedures designed to reinforce their jaws such as bone grafts.

How Do Bone Grafts Work?

Bone grafts work by surgically placing a small amount of donated skeletal tissue along a bone so the two can integrate, which can reinforce a thin jaw so that it can support dental restorations such as dentures. The donated tissue will be placed along the jawbone through an incision in the gumline, and the patient will need several months for the new bone mass to fuse with their jaw before they can begin the process of getting dentures.

Don’t let a few years without teeth make you think that there’s no hope of getting dentures. Consulting with your dentist can help you find out if this treatment can be appropriate for you.

About the Practice

Kraft & Schrott Dental Associates provides the people of Boston with outstanding oral health services. Led by Drs. Sharon Schrott and Alfred L. Kraft, the staff treats each patient with courtesy, compassion, and exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implants. To book your dental implant consultation, contact the office online or dial (617) 227-4924.