Dentist Said My Face Will Collapse with Dentures

I am trying not to cry. I need to get dentures. I’m losing my teeth. There’s nothing I can do about that. My dentist made me feel absolutely horrid. He practically yelled at me saying if I got dentures my face would collapse. He wants me to get dental implants. But, at $2,500 a pop. That would cost me $80,000. I don’t have that. Will my face really collapse if I don’t get the implants?

Macey

Dear Macey,

Before and after images about facial collapse

First, I want you to take a deep breath. We will find a solution for you. Let’s talk about why your dentist is so adamant about not getting dentures, though I don’t like how he went about expressing that.

When your teeth are removed, your brain recognizes that and knows you no longer have the roots of your teeth in your jawbone. It thinks, “Well, if there are no teeth there, we can use the minerals in her jawbone somewhere else where they’re more needed.” As a result, your jawbone slowly begins to shrink. After about 10 or so years, there won’t be enough jawbone left to retain your dentures. This is what is known as facial collapse.

Dental implants prevent that. This is because the implants serve as prosthetic tooth roots. This tells your brain there is still a need for your jawbone and it will leave it intact.

Saving Money on Dental Implants

Based on the price quote you gave, I think you based it on a dental implant for every tooth. That is not what you’ll have to do. At the most you’d need six implants per arch. Then, after a period of healing, a denture will be anchored to them. These are called implant overdentures. It is more important to have implants on your bottom arch than your top arch, so then you could just get implants on one arch and removable dentures on the other.

There are more affordable dental implant options too. For instance, you could get what is known as a snap-on denture. This can work with as few as two dental implants. Obviously that won’t be as secure as six implants but you won’t have to worry about them falling out like you would without the implants. The more implants you have the more bone which can be preserved, but two is better than none.

These are all options your dentist should have discussed with you. Before moving forward, I would look around for an implant dentist in your area and have a consultation. Explain your budgetary considerations. The two of you can come up with a solution to preserve your health without bankrupting you.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Steven Collins.