Mark Whitefield Staff asked 4 years ago
One of the consequences of losing your natural teeth is jawbone deterioration and shrinkage, which leads to facial sagging and a “sunken-in” look, which is often seen in people who wear dentures. Will a dental implant help prevent that deterioration?
C. Ashley Clayton Staff answered 4 years ago
Dental implants can keep your jawbone healthy by helping to prevent the bone deterioration that normally occurs with the loss of teeth.
In that way, dental implants can help promote a more youthful appearance, leading to renewed self-confidence as a result of improved function and appearance.Even if you are already experiencing jawbone shrinkage and facial sagging, it’s not necessarily too late for dental implants, as bone grafting can be performed to replace missing bone.
After the bone grafts heal, dental implants can be placed.
Mark Whitefield Staff answered 4 years ago
Dental implants can definitely help you maintain a youthful appearance and fight the effects of aging. Unaddressed tooth loss can quickly lead your cheeks to take on a sunken-in look, which makes people look much older. This phenomenon can be prevented and even reversed by dental implant and implant supported bridges..
Dental implants are also healthier than cosmetic surgery, because they actually stimulate jawbone growth, whereas cosmetic surgery only lifts your facial muscles.
Without implants, your jawbone will continue to shrink, so more cosmetic surgery will be needed in the future to try to maintain your appearance.
Aaron Pryor Staff answered 4 years ago
Yes and no. When natural teeth are lost the jaw bone begins to shrink, which can make you look older and add wrinkles to your face.
Getting dental implants soon after tooth loss can usually prevent the shape of your face from changing. Even if you have already seen some facial sagging, implants can prevent further deterioration of your jaw and rebuild your smile, giving the look of your face a noticeable “lift.”