If you are missing one or more of your adult teeth, you may think the worst problem you could face is difficulty chewing. Unfortunately, however, fallen teeth can be a lot more problematic than that. That’s because when you don’t have anything to stimulate your jawbone, it can begin to deteriorate, causing not just bone loss, but further tooth loss. Worse yet, it isn’t just noticeable inside your mouth: many of the changes associated with missing teeth can be seen on your face by outsiders, too. Here’s how you’re appearance could change when you’ve lost adult teeth.
Bone Degradation
The most common problem following adult tooth loss is bone degradation in the jaw. This deterioration can cause your jawbone to weaken so that it not only doesn’t support your healthy teeth, but it could also make it difficult to get dental implants further down the road. You may eventually require a bone graft procedure to correct this, or you could simply not be able to get dental implants at all.
Another major danger of bone degradation is a higher risk of breaking your jaw, because it becomes weaker overall.
Jaw Alignment Issues
Without a full set of teeth keeping your mouth in alignment, they can easily all begin to shift and alter your bite. This can result in the need for orthodontic treatment and can cause pain and difficulty chewing and cleaning your teeth.
Sinus Problems
Another issue you could experience if you are missing teeth on your upper jaw is that your sinus cavity could cave in. To correct this, you would need a sinus lift procedure, which will make it easier for you to breathe properly. You may also need this procedure to get dental implants if your upper jaw is not strong enough to support them.
Face Sagging
Missing teeth can age you dramatically. It can cause your face to appear as if it’s sagging or sunken, and as a result your skin can appear loose or droopy. Without tooth support, your lips can also wrinkle prematurely.
How Dental Implants Can Help
Dental implants don’t just restore your beautiful smile, but they can also protect your oral and overall health, too. Because they secure permanently to your jaw, they also stimulate it, just like natural teeth do. This helps maintain the bone’s structural integrity, helping prevent further tooth loss, bite issues, jaw fractures, and facial sagging.
Remember, missing teeth doesn’t have to be a normal part of aging. Dental implants provide a safe, healthy, beautiful solution to lost permanent teeth that can not only make you look better, but you’ll also feel better, too!
About Dr. Pham
Dr. Christian Pham is a dedicated dentist who spends countless hours continuing his education to better benefit his patients. He has studied a wide range of topics from such prestigious institutions as the Progressive Orthodontics and Dentistry Group regarding topics such as dental implantology and orthodontics, and he has even completed courses in advanced level dentofacial orthodontics.
To schedule an appointment for dental implants with Crownridge Dental & Orthodontics, please visit our website or call us today at 210-538-7500.