Saggy Smiles: How Tooth Loss Changes the Shape of Your Face

December 5, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — denstcovington @ 12:11 pm
A closeup of an elderly woman keeping her mouth closed

If you’ve lost teeth, you already know your looks have suffered; smile gaps are obvious and don’t look pleasing. That said, were you aware that tooth loss changes the shape of your face? It’ll make you look older than you really are if it goes untreated for too long. For that reason, you should consider dental implants – they’d prevent or even reverse this issue! Just keep reading to learn the relevant details from your local Covington dentist.

Losing Teeth Harms Your Jaw

Tooth loss does damage your smile’s good looks, but that isn’t its only effect. Suffering from missing teeth also slowly (but surely) weakens your jaw.

You see, your jaw needs your teeth to maintain its shape. Chewing with them preserves your jawbone’s tissue, so losing them can cause that tissue to shrink and erode. This process will worsen if it isn’t treated, eventually leading to facial collapse – a condition that makes your cheeks look sunken. You’d then have to deal with a very old-looking face.

Dental Implants Can Fix Your Face

Despite the points above, there’s no need to panic. You can prevent (or even reverse) facial collapse by having dental implants replace your lost teeth.

Don’t forget that dental implants fuse with your jawbone. Once placed, they prompt your body to grow new bone tissue to hold them in place. That means modern implants act as substitute tooth roots, providing your jawbone with crucial stimulus. You’ll keep your face full and firm for years by chewing and biting with them.

How to Care for Dental Implants

Of course, dental implants can only prevent facial collapse if they work. You’ll need to care for them over time by using the following tips:

  • Keep the Implants Clean – While they don’t decay, dental implants can fail if nearby teeth and gums get infected. Make sure that doesn’t happen by brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and rinsing with mouthwash often.
  • Avoid Bad Oral Habits – It’s easy to chip dental implants by chewing ice, fingernails, and other hard objects. Plus, using tobacco can cause implant failure by triggering gum disease.
  • Visit Your Dentist Often – If you see your dentist for checkups, they can diagnose and treat your minor oral issues before anything harms your dental implants.

Since tooth loss changes the shape of your face, don’t leave it unchecked. See your dental provider for dental implants in the coming days!

About the Practice

Complete Dental Care of Covington is based in Covington, WA. Led by Drs. Navi Dhaliwal and Neveen Elabbasy, our practice can make any and every smile spectacular. Our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments are tailored to each patient and their unique needs! That way, we’re always ready to transform your teeth and gums for the better. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (253)-243-6576.

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