Denture Sores and Bone Loss: The Long-Term Damage Traditional Dentures Cause That Patients Don’t See
After five years, many dentures get less stable and can slip forward while you eat an apple. This happens because the jaw underneath shrinks, not because of a problem with the appliance itself.
This is how denture sores and bone loss are related, and why many patients eventually ask about dental implants. Learning about both can help keep your mouth and facial shape healthy.
Why Denture Sores and Bone Loss Go Hand in Hand
After teeth are lost, the denture-bearing area of the jaw starts to resorb. Within a few months, the once prominent bony ridge begins to flatten.
A full denture on a flattened ridge will not rest properly on the gum tissue underneath. It can move around while you eat or speak, and that movement causes friction on the gums beneath the plate.
The result is painful sore spots that make eating uncomfortable.
The Damage You Can’t See in the Mirror
As resorption continues, the jaw shrinks. Dentists often notice that the lower jaw resorbs more quickly than the upper, which is why a lower denture can be so difficult to keep in place.
Left uncorrected, the shrinking jaw can eventually change the shape of the face, bringing down the corners of the lips and cheeks. A reline or adhesive can offer temporary relief, but neither one can fill in lost bone.
Don’t let denture sores and bone loss reduce your options. Implants need a healthy foundation, and a bone graft can often help rebuild one.
How Implants Help Protect Your Jaw
Implants are designed to mimic the roots of teeth. Once they fuse with the jaw through osseointegration, chewing pressure travels into the surrounding jaw.
That stimulation helps maintain it, much like natural roots do. The teeth are anchored in place, so there is much less rubbing against sore tissue.
Stop Patching Sore Spots and Book a Fit Check Today
Resorption and sore spots can affect how well you can use your denture. Prosthodontist Dr. Joseph T. Luke, DDS, MS, can check your fit and assess whether enough bone remains for implants or regeneration.
Schedule an appointment online with Southern Maryland Family & Prosthodontic Dentistry or call our office at 301-880-4439.