If you have lost multiple teeth and are considering replacing them with a full or partial denture, you may want to think about a more stable alternative. While regular dentures give you back the appearance of having a full set of teeth, they can also affect your nutrition — and not for the better. That’s because dentures rest on top of the gums and may not provide the sturdy foundation to support a healthy diet. So, while it may be easier to chew, you may notice more long-term negative effects. Keep reading to learn more, along with a suggestion for what to do instead.

Research Points to Poor Nutrition for Denture Wearers

Because dentures make it more difficult to chew than it is when you still have all of your natural teeth, it makes sense that nutrition would be impacted. And recent research actually shows this to be the case, too. A study out of Indiana’s Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University School of Dentistry examined participants’ health and dental records to understand how dental treatments affected their wellbeing over time. They found that, two years after getting dentures, the wearers experienced a decline in certain nutrition markers that people who did not wear dentures did not exhibit. 

How Dental Implants Can Help

Fortunately, it is not a foregone conclusion that your nutrition will suffer if you have missing teeth replaced with dentures. Dental implants can be used to secure your denture. 

Dental implants act as mini roots for the tooth replacement that is secured on top. After the healing process is complete, dentures held in place with dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth – meaning they can support a nutritious, varied diet for decades to come. 

Are You a Candidate?

Many patients who require tooth replacement are excellent candidates for dental implants. In general, people who exhibit the following signs are eligible for this option:

• Have recently lost teeth or are about to have one or more teeth extracted
• Do not smoke
• Are in good overall health
• Do not have gum disease
• Can safely undergo a surgical procedure

Now that you are aware of the potential negative effects of dentures to nutrition, schedule an appointment with your dentist or a dental implant specialist to find out for sure if you can benefit from an implant-retained denture. If the answer is yes, that’s great news – don’t wait to get started rebuilding your smile with a sturdy solution after tooth loss! You’ll be chowing down on all of your favorite healthy and delicious foods before you know it.

Meet the Dentists

The team at Zahner Dental has been serving the Ellington community with quality dental care for nearly 40 years.  Dr. Warren Zahner and his two sons, Dr. Jonathan Zahner and Dr. Shawn Zahner, offer exceptional dental care for patients of all ages, including tooth replacement with dental implants. To learn more about this option, including whether or not you are eligible, do not hesitate to reach out to the office by calling 860) 870-9031.