Dental Implants Help Preserve Your Facial Features
Posted on 2/21/2022 by Amir Hosseini, DDS
Dental implants are now taking the spot of traditional dentures and bridges as the preferred replacement for missing teeth. Many people of different ages are now benefiting from dental implants. Since dental implants integrate with the jaw, they ensure stability and secure fit. They don't fall out as happens with traditional dentures. Also, dental implants help maintain your facial shape.
How Implants Preserve Appearance
Once you lose teeth and do not get a replacement early enough, your jawbone starts to degrade. The jawbone within that site is no longer stimulated because there are no roots. Often, the roots and natural chewing forces help stimulate the jawbone, allowing it to regenerate and regrow. Failure to replace the tooth with artificial teeth can lead to resorption of the bone. Your jawbone begins to shrink soon after you lose teeth. It is believed that you lose about 25 percent of the jawbone width within the first 12 months following tooth extraction or a loss of a tooth.
There is also the chance that loss of bone won't be limited to the site underneath the missing tooth. Often, bone loss may progress to affect the bone under the remaining healthy teeth. As such, you may experience further loss of teeth and a noticeably smaller jaw. When the jawbone starts shrinking, the appearance of the face also changes. You start having premature aging. Because of the lack of support that the jawbone provides, your skin around the jaw and chin also begins to lose its elasticity. You will have a sagging face and the cheeks become sunken, allowing you to look much older than you really are.
Book an appointment with us to find out how the loss of teeth can impact your facial appearance. We do dental implant placement to help prevent jawbone erosion and restore your bite function.
Dental Blog - San Antonio • Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists We post dental blogs to pique your interest and educate our San Antonio community about topics related to dentistry, dental implants, and oral health. Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists, 1130 E Sonterra Blvd, Suite 120, San Antonio, TX 78258 / (210) 614-4700 / aestheticperiodontist.com / 10/6/2024 / Page Phrases: Dental Implants San Antonio TX /