| ✅ Reviewed by Dr. Tom McCawley | 🕒 Reading time: four minutes |
Dentures and bridges replace missing teeth, but they can’t replace what’s underneath. Without natural roots to stimulate it, the jawbone begins to shrink over time, changing your facial structure and affecting fit and comfort.
The good news is that bone loss isn’t inevitable. With advanced implant treatments, it’s possible to restore both stability and strength to your smile.
Why Bone Loss Happens After Tooth Loss
When you lose a tooth, the bone that once surrounded its root no longer receives signals from chewing pressure. Without that stimulation, the body begins to reabsorb the bone tissue, a natural process called bone resorption.
Over time, this can lead to:
- Thinner, shorter jawbones
- Collapsed facial appearance (“sunken” cheeks)
- Loose-fitting dentures or bridges
- Shifting of nearby natural teeth
- Bite and speech problems
This process begins within months after tooth loss and continues unless the missing root is replaced.
How Dentures and Bridges Affect the Jawbone
Both dentures and bridges restore function and aesthetics, but neither replaces the tooth root, and that’s the problem.
Dentures
Traditional full or partial dentures rest on the gums rather than being anchored in bone. While they can improve your ability to chew and speak, they place no pressure on the jawbone. Instead, the pressure they create on the gums can even accelerate bone loss over time. As the bone changes, dentures start to fit poorly and may need frequent adjustments or relining.
Dental Bridges
Fixed bridges rely on the surrounding teeth for support. They fill the visible gap of missing teeth but don’t stimulate the bone beneath the missing tooth. The bone continues to resorb in that area, eventually causing a visible dip or gap beneath the bridge.
The Long-Term Effects of Untreated Bone Loss
Jawbone loss isn’t just a cosmetic issue, it can make future treatment more complex. Severe resorption can:
- Require bone grafting to rebuild lost structure
- Lead to facial sagging and premature aging
- Reduce bite force and chewing efficiency
- Limit your eligibility for dental implants
Patients often describe a “shrinking” feeling or notice that their dentures no longer stay in place as well as they used to.
How Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss
At McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics & Implants, our first priority is always to save natural teeth whenever possible. But when tooth or bone loss has already occurred, we focus on restoring a healthy foundation—not just replacing what is missing.
In cases where bone loss cannot be reversed through regenerative treatment alone, dental implants may be part of a larger plan to stabilize the jaw and protect surrounding teeth. Because implants function like natural tooth roots, they can help preserve bone density and prevent further deterioration.
Our doctors use advanced diagnostics and proven regenerative techniques to treat infection, rebuild bone, and create lasting stability before any implant is placed. This comprehensive approach helps ensure long-term success and better overall oral health.
When to Consider Replacing Dentures or Bridges with Implants
Even with regular care, dentures and bridges can make it harder to clean the gums and reach bacteria below the surface. Over time, this can lead to gum inflammation, infection, or bone loss beneath the restorations.
You may want to discuss treatment options if you notice:
- Dentures that slip or require adhesive
- Gum soreness, bleeding, or swelling
- Gaps forming beneath a bridge
- Jaw or facial changes
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
In some cases, these symptoms indicate underlying gum disease or bone deterioration that needs attention before further damage occurs. When replacement is necessary, dental implants may be included as part of a broader plan to stabilize the jaw and restore oral health.
At McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics & Implants, we address infection and bone loss first then rebuild a healthy foundation for lasting comfort and stability.
Protecting Your Smile Starts Below the Surface
If you have noticed changes in your bite, facial shape, or denture fit, our team can help you rebuild a healthy foundation for your smile.
To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Fort Lauderdale, FL, call (954) 807-4829 or visit us at 800 East Broward Blvd #706 Fort Lauderdale, FL.
FAQs
Bone loss can begin within three to six months after tooth loss and continues gradually over the years if left untreated.
Even well-fitting dentures rest on soft tissue and don’t stimulate the bone underneath, which leads to gradual resorption over time.
Full arch dental implants like Implant-supported dentures or All-on-4® implants can stabilize your bite and reintroduce bone stimulation, helping to stop further resorption.
While lost bone doesn’t regrow on its own, modern bone grafting and regenerative procedures can rebuild enough bone density to support dental implants.
While bone loss can change facial appearance, it also weakens the foundation that supports your teeth and gums. Over time, it can lead to shifting teeth, poor bite alignment, and difficulty chewing, issues that affect both oral and overall health.
