If you are missing teeth, then you likely already know how they impact your everyday life. You might struggle with eating certain foods, but you may also be self-conscious about your smile. However, tooth loss can also change the shape of your face. It can happen if you don’t get the dental structures replaced, so here’s what you need to know and how your dentist is here to help with a reliable treatment.
How Do Missing Teeth Affect Facial Appearance?
As you likely know, your teeth go much deeper than just what’s seen when you flash your grin. They have roots that go down into your jawbone, which help hold them in place. Not only that, but this part also stimulates the bone with pressure it gets when you bite and chew. This tells your body to send the necessary nutrients it needs to keep your jaw healthy and strong.
When you are missing a tooth, the stimulus goes away in that place. Your jawbone will start to shrink in a process known as bone resorption. This is natural, but it’s your body taking those minerals to use in other places that need them. Over time, this can lead to facial collapse, which can make you look older than you are by:
- Making your chin look prominent.
- Causing the skin around your cheeks and lips to sag or develop additional wrinkles.
While you may already be self-conscious about your tooth loss, you may feel even more so about your appearance changing like this!
What Can I Do to Avoid Facial Collapse?
The good news is there is a reliable way you can prevent experiencing facial collapse. By going to your dentist, you can talk to them about dental implants. This treatment is considered the gold standard when it comes to replacing missing teeth, as it restores the structure from the root up.
A post is placed into the jawbone, essentially acting like the root of a natural tooth. It not only holds the restoration that sits above the gumline in place, but it also keeps it sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about anything slipping. Every time you bite and chew, that pressure gets sent down the post and into your jaw. Your body will know you’re still using the bone and sends the necessary minerals it needs to stay strong.
Better yet, implants can last a lifetime with the proper care; that way, you can get back to a confident smile that helps you look younger.
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Pitarra earned her dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry. She has since continued her education, taking advanced training in treatments like dental implants. Dr. Pitarra is proud to offer this procedure in-house, so you can stay with a team you trust during every step. If you are missing teeth and want to preserve your facial structure, schedule an appointment or call her office at (361) 855-7171.