Tooth loss can potentially detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. For example, you might develop a lisp or slur with gaps in your grin. You might also struggle to bite or chew wholesome foods to support your oral and overall well-being.
However, did you know that missing teeth can also potentially change the shape of your face? Continue reading to learn more about why this happens and how your dentist can help preserve your visage with lifelike dental implants!
How Does Tooth Loss Impact My Jawbone?
Would you be surprised to learn that the roots of your teeth are responsible for maintaining your jaw? They stimulate new bone growth each time you bite down to activate and strengthen the foundation of your mouth. Under normal circumstances, this helps preserve your oral health and facial structure.
Unfortunately, when one goes missing, you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding bone density within the first twelve months. Eventually, your jaw can become too weak to support your remaining natural teeth, leading to additional tooth loss. This further exacerbates the underlying problem and accelerates this process of degeneration.
Can Changes to My Jawbone Alter My Facial Structure?
You might assume that your thinning jawbone would only impact your oral health, but the truth is that it can also significantly impact your appearance. This is because the foundational structure of your mouth is attached to various muscles, ligaments, and tissues that have a natural capacity for movement. As the bone flattens, these elastic components loosen their grip and grow slack. This can result in sunken-looking cheeks and additional facial wrinkles, making you look older than you feel.
Not only that, but your face can seem shorter than usual, and as the space between your nose and chin decreases, your chin can seem more prominent or protruded.
How Can I Preserve the Shape of My Face After Tooth Loss?
Many dentists offer multiple options for rebuilding your smile, such as customized dentures or a dental bridge. However, dental implants are the only treatment that prevents jawbone collapse.
This is because, unlike the alternatives, this procedure involves surgically placing one or more titanium support rods into your jaw. This biocompatible material eventually fuses with the bone and becomes a more permanent part of your mouth. Then, it functions like a root to stimulate your jawbone each time you bite down, which helps preserve your oral condition and facial structure.
If you are unsure whether you’re a valid candidate for dental implants, you can schedule a consultation with your provider to learn more!
About the Practice
Patients at Crownridge Dental benefit from two dentists eager to help them build and maintain the most beautiful, healthiest versions of their smiles. Dr. Pham and Dr. Nunez collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet the needs of people of all ages at one convenient location. They have the education, experience, and state-of-the-art technology to place and restore dental implants for your convenience. If you want to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (210) 981-6018.