Hi. I have 4 missing top teeth and 4 missing bottom teeth. The solution my dentist gave me is one I don’t like – top and bottom partial dentures. The thought of it sounds very uncomfortable. I am wondering if it’s just better to pull the rest of my teeth and just wear full dentures. Thanks Alexis

Alexis – It is best to keep your natural teeth as long as possible. If all of your teeth are extracted, your jawbone will begin to shrink.

When your jawbone shrinks, it is difficult for it to support a denture. Dentures make speaking and chewing more difficult. Eating won’t be as enjoyable. The dentures will begin to rub your jawbone and make it sore. Dental implants prevent jawbone shrinkage because they mimic natural teeth. Dentures can be supported with dental implants. They will be stable, and they won’t rest on your jawbone and irritate it. But if you still have most of your natural teeth, there is no need to remove them and replace them with dentures or dental implants.

For your eight teeth that are missing, dental implants, or an implant-supported bridge are alternatives to a partial denture, and they will prevent jawbone shrinkage. Ask your dentist if you are a candidate for dental implants or an implant-supported bridge, or schedule a consultation with a skilled implant dentist or periodontist to discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by top NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley of Bedminster, NJ.