Complete Dentures and Bone Loss: Why Dental Implants Matter
Losing all of your teeth can be life-changing. For many patients, complete dentures feel like the most straightforward solution. They restore appearance and basic function, and they are often the fastest way to replace missing teeth.
However, what many people are not told is that complete dentures do not stop bone loss. Understanding this difference can help you make a more informed decision about your long-term oral health.
Why Bone Loss Happens After Tooth Loss
Your jawbone stays healthy through stimulation. Natural teeth, and dental implants, transfer chewing forces into the bone. This stimulation tells the body to maintain bone volume and strength.
When teeth are removed, that stimulation is lost. Over time, the jawbone begins to shrink, a process called bone resorption.
With complete dentures, chewing forces are applied on top of the gums and bone, rather than through the bone. This pressure can actually accelerate bone loss, especially if the denture becomes loose or ill-fitting.
Why Dentures Often Become Loose Over Time
Many long-term denture wearers come to our office saying:
- “My denture doesn’t fit anymore.”
- “I just had this denture made, and it already feels loose.”
- “I need more adhesive than before.”
In many cases, the issue isn’t the denture itself, it’s the bone underneath continuing to shrink.
This is especially common in the lower jaw, where bone loss tends to progress faster. Once enough bone is lost, placing dental implants later can become more complex, more expensive, or sometimes no longer possible without advanced grafting.
How Dental Implants Help Preserve Bone
Dental implants act like artificial tooth roots. They transfer chewing forces directly into the jawbone, helping to:
- Preserve bone volume
- Improve denture stability
- Reduce sore spots and movement
- Improve comfort and confidence when eating and speaking
If you are missing all of your teeth or have been wearing a complete denture for some time, we strongly recommend considering dental implants to help prevent or slow down progressive bone loss.
A Practical Middle Ground: Implant-Retained Dentures
Not everyone is ready for, or a candidate for, a full fixed implant bridge. In those cases, implant-retained (snap-on) dentures are often a very good compromise.
In many situations, we recommend:
- At least 2 implants in the lower jaw
- At least 4 implants in the upper jaw
This approach:
- Significantly improves denture security
- Makes chewing easier
- Reduces denture movement
- Helps slow ongoing bone resorption
Even a small number of implants can make a meaningful difference in comfort and long-term oral health.
Every Patient’s Situation Is Different
Some patients prioritize:
- Lower upfront cost
- Shorter treatment time
Others focus on:
- Long-term stability
- Bone preservation
- Comfort and confidence
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Our role is to help you understand what is happening in your mouth now, what may happen in the future, and what options are available at each stage.
A Transparent Approach at Heart Dental
At Heart Dental, we don’t pressure patients into treatment. We believe in explaining options clearly, answering questions honestly, and helping you choose what fits your health goals and life circumstances.
Whether you are new to dentures, have worn them for years, or are just starting to explore implant options, we are here to guide you, one step at a time.
Schedule a consultation at our Carson office to learn which approach may be right for you.