Many times, when patients think about tooth loss, they focus on the immediate effects like the gap in their smile. However, the impact of missing teeth extends beyond your grin. In some cases, when patients suffer from prolonged or more significant tooth loss, it can change their entire oral structure. This shift in their teeth and bones can even result in an altered face shape! Continue reading to learn how tooth loss can reshape your face and what you can do to reduce the effects.
Bone Resorption
One of the worst aspects of tooth loss is bone resorption where the jawbone gradually deteriorates. Normally, your tooth roots stimulate the surrounding bone tissue, helping to support its density and volume. However, when teeth are missing, this stimulation stops, causing the jawbone to slowly shrink and lose its shape.
Weakened Facial Structure
As bone resorption progresses, the lack of support can cause your facial muscles to sag. This eventually leads to a sunken or hollow appearance in the cheeks and lips making you look much older than you are.
Shifting Teeth
Missing teeth can also change the alignment of your smile. As neighboring teeth drift or tilt into the empty spaces left by missing teeth, they become more crooked. Over time, this can create a less symmetrical smile and even affect how you chew or talk.
Lowered Confidence and Facial Changes
Tooth loss can also take a toll on your self-confidence and emotional health, causing stress. The hormones released during stress can cause changes in the appearance of your skin and your resting facial expression. Over time, this can cause fine lines, wrinkles, and even sagging skin.
What Can You Do to Combat Tooth Loss?
Modern dentistry offers many solutions to replace missing teeth including dentures and bridges. However, the only treatment that can stop the gradual loss of your jawbone are dental implants. These titanium fixtures are surgically placed into your jaw, acting as artificial tooth roots. This continues the stimulation of the bone, preserving the underlying structure.
As you can see, tooth loss isn’t just a dental issue! It can have lasting effects on your appearance and mental health as well. By understanding the true impact of tooth loss and exploring restorative solutions, you can keep a healthy, youthful-looking smile and face for years to come.
About the Practice
At Canyon Creek Family Dentistry of Richardson, their team of talented dental experts has the knowledge and skill to help you restore your smile after tooth loss. With advanced dental technology, they offer dental implant treatments that can stand the test of time and get you grinning again! Call (972) 644-3800 to schedule a dental implant consultation or visit the website to learn more about other treatments they offer.