Is it too late for dental implants if I’m 64 years old and have already experienced facial sagging? I’ve been wearing dentures since I was 50 and have had continuous problems with them. This situation is difficult for me because my face looks uneven. I want to try to avoid cosmetic surgery if possible. It’s easier for me to get implants rather than have my face cut. Besides that I want the results to look natural. I’m not trying to look 44 again like cosmetic surgery might do. I just want to give my face a natural-looking lift. Thanks. Leilani T.
Leilani – As you may know, when your teeth are missing for years, your jawbone will progressively shrink. This is because tooth roots stimulate the bone, so when teeth are missing, it’s a signal to your body that the bone isn’t needed. Your body will resorb the bone and use the minerals from it elsewhere.
When dentures are resting on your jawbone, the pressure from them accelerates bone shrinkage. Although cosmetic surgery may eliminate excess facial skin, jawbone shrinkage can continue. And if it does, so will facial sagging. The good news is that it’s not too late to receive dental implants.
It’s Not Too Late for Dental Implants to Help with Facial Sagging
If you’re already experiencing facial sagging, your jawbone has begun to shrink. But dental implants need to be placed deep enough in the bone to be stable. It’s likely that you’ll need bone grafting first.
- Bone grafting – Even after jawbone shrinkage occurs it’s not too late for dental implants. Bone grafting can be used to replace the missing bone. In a few months, the grafts will heal and dental implants can be placed. The implants will stimulate bone and prevent further shrinkage. Four to six implants will stimulate a wider area of the bone.
- Support for your dentures and facial muscles – The built-up jawbone will support your facial muscles. Dentures will be attached to the dental implants. Implant-supported dentures don’t rest on your jawbone and put pressure on it.
What’s Next?
Before you receive any treatment, 3-D x-rays will be taken to determine the extent of bone shrinkage and the best way to treat it. Both bone grafting and dental implant surgery have a healing period of three to four months, so be patient. Your oral health and your facial appearance will improve.
We suggest that you schedule consultations with
at least two experienced implant dentists to discuss your options for implants and natural-looking dentures.
This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Dr. Delaune is a sustaining member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.