Losing teeth can lead to difficulties in several aspects of daily life, such as speaking, chewing food, and even just smiling. However, these challenges merely scratch the surface. The truth is that tooth loss can have a significant impact on your facial appearance, causing a dramatic change. Continue reading to learn why this happens and what you can do to prevent it!
Understanding the Effects of Tooth Loss
If you’ve lost a tooth or two, you might not think it’s a big deal, especially if they’re not immediately visible. However, every tooth plays a role in supporting your facial structure. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that area no longer receives stimulation from the tooth roots. Without this stimulation, the jawbone begins to weaken and shrink in a process known as atrophy. Even if it doesn’t affect your ability to eat or speak, the missing tooth can lead to long-term consequences.
How Does Facial Collapse Happen?
As the jawbone weakens over time, it may eventually lose its ability to support your facial features. This can result in facial collapse, where the face appears sunken or shorter. Additionally, the muscles around your lips may weaken, leading to increased wrinkles and an aged appearance. Over time, the space between your nose and chin may decrease and further alter your facial proportions.
Preventing Jawbone Deterioration with Dental Implants
The best way to prevent jawbone deterioration is by replacing the missing tooth roots. Dental implants are considered the most effective option for addressing tooth loss. Unlike traditional options like dentures or bridges, implants stimulate bone growth and help prevent further jawbone loss. By preserving bone density, dental implants can prevent facial collapse and maintain the integrity of your facial structure.
If you’re missing teeth, it’s incredibly important to address the issue before it progresses further. Don’t wait until jawbone loss has advanced – ask your dentist about dental implants as a long-term solution to preserve your smile and facial appearance!
About the Practice
At The Dental Center of Westport, our team of female dentists sees oral health as an essential part of whole-body wellness. Our practice prioritizes holistic methods into our treatment strategies, ensuring patients leave not just with a great smile, but feeling their best too! If you’re considering dental implants to prevent jawbone deterioration, you can schedule a consultation via our website or call (203) 227-8700.