When you lose a tooth, you will have a gap in your smile, which might be noticeable to onlookers (depending on its location). However, some people may not think about the fact that the aesthetic consequences of tooth loss can go much further than that. It can actually change the shape of your face! This blog post discusses how that can happen and how you can maintain a more youthful appearance.
Tooth Loss and Your Soft Tissues
Your teeth play a crucial role in supporting the soft tissues of your face, especially your cheeks. When you lose one or more teeth, the lack of underlying support leads to a noticeable change in the appearance of your cheeks. The skin and muscles in this area may begin to sag or collapse, giving your face a sunken appearance. This can make you look older than you actually are and give the impression that you are constantly frowning.
Moreover, when teeth are missing, the balance of your facial muscles can shift. The absence of teeth creates an uneven distribution of pressure and support, which further exacerbates the sagging effect. For individuals who have lost multiple teeth, these changes can be especially pronounced.
How Tooth Loss Affects Bone Structure
The impact of tooth loss goes beyond the soft tissues of your face. Your teeth are anchored in your jawbone, and their presence stimulates the bone tissue, keeping it healthy and dense. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone no longer receives this necessary stimulation. As a result, the bone begins to deteriorate in a process known as resorption.
Bone resorption can lead to a significant reduction in the height and volume of your jawbone, thereby altering the overall shape of your face. It can make your face appear significantly shorter. Over time, the changes in bone structure can make your facial features appear distorted and less defined.
In severe cases, the lack of bone support can even affect your ability to wear dentures or other prosthetic solutions. The progressive nature of bone loss underscores the importance of addressing tooth loss as soon as possible.
Dental Implants Prevent Facial Collapse
The good news is that facial collapse as a result of tooth loss is avoidable! To maintain your appearance, your dentist is likely to suggest that you get dental implants.
Dental implants are small cylinders, or posts, that get surgically placed into the jawbone. Their job is to act as prosthetic tooth roots. They can stimulate the bone and help it to maintain its youthful shape and strength. Additionally, the restorations (artificial teeth) that get attached to the tops of dental implants help to restore the natural contours of your face by supporting the cheeks and other soft tissues.
Also impressive is the fact that dental implants are highly functional. They can restore most of your bite force and have the potential to last for several decades! Plus, the prosthetic teeth that get attached to them look incredibly natural.
Tooth loss is not just a matter of extra space in your smile; it is a condition that can profoundly alter the shape of your face. Fortunately, dental implants can help you to maintain your appearance.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Adriana Zaharie is the highly skilled dentist at Villagio Family & Cosmetic Dental in Fulshear. She proudly offers a range of tooth replacement solutions, including dental implants. If you are concerned about tooth loss and would like to know how you can avoid its long-term consequences, our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our office at 281-394-4001.