You may not be aware of this, but when teeth are missing from your mouth, your jawbone will begin to shrink. As the density of your jawbone degrades, your cheeks and lips will take on a sunken appearance called facial collapse. The process of facial collapse doesn’t occur overnight, but the change in appearance can be quite upsetting, as patients often appear older than they actually are as their features sink in. Deterioration of the jaw carries other side effects, such as discomfort, and trouble eating. Fortunately, there are ways to correct the issue. Pella, IA dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Allen, explains how dental implants can prevent facial collapse from ever happening.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are becoming a popular way to replace one missing tooth, all the way to an entire set of teeth. Titanium fixtures are surgically implanted into the jawbone to act as a replacement for your missing roots. Prosthetic teeth are attached to the supporting posts to give you a healthy and natural looking smile. Implants are convenient because you can care for them and use them in the same way as the teeth you have lost.
How Can Dental Implants Prevent Facial Collapse?
Firmly anchored teeth are a beacon for minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that you need to keep your jawbone healthy. Without the presence of teeth, your body will decide that redirection of the minerals and nutrients is necessary elsewhere in the body. Why waste them on a part of your body that isn’t there, right? Traditional dentures can only take a patient so far, as the body still senses that the teeth are missing from the root. In time, denture wearers are likely to experience facial collapse that will not only make them look older, but may also make their dentures not fit well. Dental implants are like a homing device for minerals and nutrient just like natural tooth roots, so facial collapse will not occur.
Dental Implants from Pella, IA Dentist
Dr. Jeffrey Allen provides comfortable dental care to patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment, contact Allen Family Dentistry by calling (641) 628-1121. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella, IA. Please see the map for directions.