Our expert dentist in Pocket-Greenhaven, Sacramento, has seen firsthand the impact of tooth loss on oral health and overall quality of life. One of the most significant consequences of tooth loss is ridge resorption, a process in which the jawbone and surrounding gum tissue begin to shrink and deteriorate. However, dentures can play a crucial role in preventing ridge resorption, and in this article, we’ll explore how dentures can help maintain the health and integrity of the jawbone and surrounding tissue.
What is Ridge Resorption?
Ridge resorption is a natural process that occurs when teeth are lost. When teeth are present, they provide stimulation to the surrounding bone and gum tissue, which helps to maintain their density and health. However, when teeth are lost, this stimulation is also lost, and the bone and gum tissue begin to resorb or shrink. This can lead to a range of problems, including changes in facial appearance, difficulty speaking and eating, and decreased stability of dentures.
How Do Dentures Prevent Ridge Resorption?
Dentures can help to prevent ridge resorption in several ways:
- Providing Stimulation: Dentures can provide stimulation to the surrounding bone and gum tissue, which helps to maintain their density and health. This stimulation can help to slow down or even prevent ridge resorption.
- Distributing Forces: Dentures can help to distribute the forces of chewing and biting evenly throughout the jawbone, which can help to reduce the risk of ridge resorption. When forces are concentrated in one area, it can lead to increased bone loss and resorption.
- Supporting Soft Tissue: Dentures can help to support the soft tissue in the mouth, including the gums and cheeks. This support can help to maintain the natural contours of the face and prevent the formation of wrinkles and folds.
- Maintaining Jaw Alignment: Dentures can help to maintain the natural alignment of the jaw, which can help to prevent ridge resorption. When the jaw is not aligned properly, it can lead to increased forces on the surrounding bone and gum tissue, which can accelerate ridge resorption.
What Are The Benefits of Preventing Ridge Resorption?
Some of the most significant advantages include:
Improved Facial Appearance
- Maintaining Natural Contours: Preventing ridge resorption helps maintain the natural contours of the face, ensuring a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Reducing Wrinkles and Folds: By preserving the jawbone and surrounding tissue, individuals can reduce the formation of wrinkles and folds around the mouth and cheeks.
Enhanced Oral Function
- Increased Stability of Dentures: Preventing ridge resorption ensures a more stable and secure fit for dentures, making it easier to eat, speak, and engage in daily activities.
- Improved Chewing and Speaking Function: Maintaining the natural alignment of the jaw and surrounding tissue enables individuals to chew and speak more efficiently and effectively.
Better Overall Health
- Reduced Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies: By maintaining the ability to chew and digest food properly, individuals can reduce their risk of nutritional deficiencies and related health problems.
- Improved Self-Esteem and Confidence: A healthy, functional smile can greatly enhance an individual’s self-esteem and confidence, leading to a better overall quality of life.
Reduced Risk of Complications
- Decreased Risk of Bone Fractures: Preventing ridge resorption reduces the risk of bone fractures and other complications associated with a weakened jawbone.
- Reduced Risk of Nerve Damage: Maintaining the health and integrity of the jawbone and surrounding tissue reduces the risk of nerve damage and associated pain or numbness.
Bottom Line
Ridge resorption is a common problem that occurs in people who have lost teeth, particularly those who wear dentures. However, dentures can play a crucial role in preventing ridge resorption by providing stimulation to the surrounding bone and gum tissue, distributing forces evenly throughout the jawbone, supporting soft tissue, and maintaining jaw alignment. By preventing ridge resorption, dentures can help to improve facial appearance, increase stability, improve chewing and speaking function, and reduce the risk of complications.
