Do you have gaps in your grin from lost teeth that you haven’t replaced yet? You might think it’s okay to leave the sockets empty, especially if they’re farther back in your mouth where no one can see.
However, missing teeth can impact your oral health in several ways. For instance, did you know it can affect your jawbone, which in turn can alter your facial structure? Continue reading to learn more about why this sometimes happens and how dental implants can help!
How Does Tooth Loss Impact My Facial Structure?
Did you know that the roots of your teeth stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down? Under normal circumstances, this maintains the foundation of your mouth so it remains healthy and thick enough to support your pearly whites.
Unfortunately, when one goes missing, your body resorbs the bone material, and you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding density within the first year. Then, you might notice changes to your appearance as it continues to devolve.
For example, as it thins, the muscles, ligaments, and skin surrounding your jaw grow slack. This can lead to sunken-looking cheeks and additional facial wrinkles that make you look older than you feel. Your lips can also appear thin, and an altered bite alignment can cause your chin to rotate forward so that it juts out more.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Your dentist provides various ways to restore your smile after tooth loss, like fitting you with customized dentures or a dental bridge. However, many experts consider dental implants the ideal solution.
This is because of all the replacement methods, this is the only one that involves surgically placing a support rod into your jawbone. It can take three to six months to mend after this procedure, because your mouth must generate enough new bone to fuse with the biocompatible metal. Once you’ve recovered sufficiently, your dentist can create a customized dental crown (or other appropriate restoration) to close the space in your smile.
Can Dental Implants Preserve My Jawbone?
Of all the possible ways to rebuild your missing teeth, dental implants are the only treatment that can prevent the jawbone deterioration that typically accompanies tooth loss. Once it completes the process of osseointegration, it is essentially a permanent part of your mouth and functions like a root to keep your jaw strong and healthy. This, in turn, supports your facial structure to prevent unwanted changes to your reflection.
If you’re unsure whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, consulting your provider directly is the best way to find out for certain!
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Saywa is a highly accomplished and compassionate dentist eager to help families in Farmington Hills improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. She earned her dental degree from the University of Detroit Mercy Dental School, and today, has more than a decade of experience providing a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs under one roof. She has the advanced training and state-of-the-art technology to perform each step of the implant process, including oral surgery, in the office for your convenience. You can request an appointment on the website or call (248) 855-4850.