When someone loses a tooth, their first thought is often how the situation affects their grin. That’s only natural – smile gaps and oral damage are the most apparent results of missing teeth. Even so, don’t forget to consider how tooth loss also changes your face’s shape. Since it makes you look older when untreated, you should get dental implants to prevent that effect. Just keep reading to learn more about these points from your local dentist.
Tooth Loss Alters Your Jaw
While tooth loss does harm oral health, your mouth isn’t the only thing it damages. The condition will slowly (but surely) weaken your jaw when left unchecked.
The truth is that your jaw needs teeth to maintain its shape. Chewing with a full smile stimulates your jawbone, ensuring its tissue remains strong and dense. Given these points, losing teeth will cause your jaw to shrink and erode over time. That process could eventually lead to facial collapse – a condition that makes your face look sunken and old.
Dental Implants “Restore” a Face’s Shape
With all that said, there’s good news: You can avoid facial collapse from tooth loss. All you need to do is have dental implants replace your missing teeth.
Keep in mind that dental implants fuse with your jawbone. Because they’re placed in your jaw’s empty sockets, they prompt bone tissue to grow and hold them in place. It follows that dental implants act as substitute tooth roots, providing your jawbone with stimulus. That means they’ll keep your face full and firm through chewing and biting.
How Do You Look After Implants?
Dental implants only “restore” your face’s shape if they work. As such, remember to care for them by using the following tips:
- Clean Your Mouth Daily – Dental implants don’t decay, but they can fail if nearby teeth and gums get infected. Keep that from happening by brushing twice daily and flossing once a day.
- Avoid Bad Oral Habits – While durable, dental implants can chip from habits like nail biting, ice-chewing, and more. Tobacco can also cause implant failure by making gum disease likelier.
- Get Frequent Checkups – When you attend dental checkups often, your dentist will diagnose and treat issues that could eventually harm your implants.
While untreated tooth loss changes your face’s shape, don’t despair. Just see your dental provider – they can provide you with dental implants!
About the Practice
Parker Dental & Orthodontics is based in locations throughout Alabama and Mississippi. Led by its namesake, Dr. Hube Parker, our practice strives to give every patient a truly dreamy grin. We embody that goal by offering preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments tailored to your smile. In doing so, our team ensures you and your family sport amazing teeth and gums. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (251)-304-9129.