Prevention of Bone Loss
One of the biggest long-term problems which occur following tooth loss is a reduction in the amount of bone in the jaw. This is thought to happen due to the bone which once held the tooth root not being stimulated any more following tooth loss. The bone then absorbs into the body resulting in an appearance of premature aging due to facial collapse which causes the sinking of the cheeks, excessive wrinkles and a protruding lower lip. Research has shown that approximately 50% of the bone which surrounded extracted teeth will disappear within 2 years of the teeth being removed. Although the appearance of this problem can be partly rectified by the fitting of replacement bulkier conventional dentures it is not the perfect solution.
By inserting dental implants soon after the teeth have been extracted, absorption of the jaw bone and facial collapse will be avoided. The implants act as healthy teeth and help to continue to stimulate the bone preventing the appearance of premature aging. Even if only 2 dental implants are used to support the denture they will have a significant effect in reducing facial collapse. If 4 or 6 implants are used the problem does not occur. It is possible for seniors who have been wearing conventional dentures for a number of years to switch to implant-retained dentures despite suffering from some degree of facial collapse. In such instances, a bone graft is often carried out to rebuild the jawbone prior to the implants being placed.
Locator Implant Retained dentures are a modern alternative to conventional dentures and can provide a number of significant advantages for those who choose to wear them. This type of denture is held in place by titanium screw-like posts which are inserted into the jawbone offering greatly improved stability, aesthetics, and comfort as well as preventing facial collapse due to the absorption of the jawbone following tooth loss. A Locator Implant Retained Denture snaps onto implants and is removable.
