A missing tooth is a signal to the body that the part of jawbone that once supported the tooth is no longer needed. The space is empty, so the jawbone will shrink. If all of your teeth are missing, jawbone loss will progress with time and lead to facial collapse.
Facial collapse can not only make you look older, it’s not good for your overall health. When there is little bone left to support dentures, the dentures can make your gums sore and irritated. It may become almost impossible to keep a lower denture in your mouth. The reduced ability to eat certain nutritious foods may affect your health.
Preventing Facial Collapse
Dental implants prevent facial collapse. A dental implant mimics the structure of a natural tooth. It has a root form that is surgically implanted in the jawbone. After the jawbone heals, a replacement tooth is secured to the root form. The presence of the implant is a signal to the body that the jawbone is needed, and that prevents jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse.
Each tooth can be replaced with an individual implant, but the cost is per implant. Or, dentures can be supported with as few as two implants. This technique is half the cost of receiving individual implants, while still maintaining quality. If facial collapse has already occurred, we can build up the lost bone with bone grafting.
Dental implants must be correctly placed to avoid implant mistakes, including infection, nerve impairment and loosening of the implants. Dr. Duane Delaune is a New Orleans dentist who has received post-graduate training in implantology from Russo Seminars and the Zimmer Institute. Dr. Delaune has the training and experience needed to correctly place your implants and prevent facial collapse. If you are interested in this treatment, you can request a complimentary consultation with Dr. Delaune, during which you can ask questions and determine if you want to schedule a follow-up paid appointment that will include a comprehensive exam.