Have you ever lost one of your pearly whites? Tooth loss is more than just a cosmetic issue. In fact, it can lead to a range of oral health problems. Missing one or more of your pearly whites can even impact the structure of your face. Continue reading to learn how missing teeth can change the shape of your face as well as how dental implants can help.

How Tooth Loss Impacts Your Facial Structure 

Chewing and biting provide the jaw with the stimulation it needs to remain healthy. Missing teeth means that the jaw in those areas is no longer receiving that stimulation. This will eventually cause it to begin eroding. In the first year alone, patients lose around 25% of their jaw mass.

This jawbone loss can cause the face to sag and may make you look older than you actually are. Additionally, the surrounding teeth will begin to shift to fill in the gap. This will cause them to weaken over time and may lead to additional tooth loss.

Why Dental Implants Are the Perfect Solution 

Though other tooth replacement options replace missing teeth, such as dentures and dental crowns, implants are the only one that replaces the roots of the tooth as well. These titanium screws are inserted into the jawbone and fused with it through a process called osseointegration. This lasts four to six months on average and makes your implants as durable and permanent as your natural teeth.

Dental implants also give your face structure by filling in the gaps in your smile and keeping the surrounding teeth from shifting. Additionally, they provide the jawbone with the stimulation it requires to remain healthy and strong. As a result, you shouldn’t experience any deterioration.

With that being said, if you wait a while after losing your teeth or having them pulled to get implants placed. You may need a bone graft if deterioration had already begun. Set up a consultation with your dentist to learn if you’re a good candidate for this procedure and if any other treatments will be necessary before proceeding.

About the Practice 

If you have gaps in your smile and want to have them filled, you’ve come to the right place. The skilled team at Generations Dental Care is led by eight skilled dentists who take pride in helping patients with their oral health needs. They offer a range of treatment options, such as dental implants, to fill in gaps in your smile. They can also teach you about how implants affect the shape of your face and prevent jawbone deterioration. Visit Generations Dental Care’s website or call them at (603) 225-6331 for more information on dental implants or if you’re ready to set up an appointment.