Your teeth are important for more than just a beautiful smile. Besides allowing you to chew a variety of foods and speak clearly, they also contribute to the shape of your face. Losing even a single tooth can make you look years older than your actual age. However, dental implants can turn back the clock. Here’s how they can take 10 years off your appearance by maintaining your facial shape.
Missing Teeth Weaken Your Jawbone
When you lose a tooth, your jaw isn’t being stimulated by the root. As a result, your jawbone will deteriorate slowly. You can lose 25% of its density within the first year of missing a tooth, which will continue to deteriorate as more time passes.
As your jaw shrinks, any remaining teeth won’t have sufficient support. They can drift toward the open space, affecting your bite and alignment. You’ll have an increased risk of cavities, gum disease, and additional tooth loss.
With each tooth you lose, your facial tissues won’t have the support they need. This can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and a sunken appearance.
Dental Implants Preserve Your Jawbone
Traditional tooth replacement methods only recreate the portions of teeth above the gum line, so they do nothing for bone loss. A dental implant is unique because it replaces both the root and the crown, making it the only treatment to preserve your jaw’s density.
A titanium post is surgically placed into your jaw to serve as a new root. It will stimulate your jaw to encourage new bone growth. Your jaw will stay strong and healthy while your bone fuses to the post through a process called osseointegration, allowing it to potentially remain in place forever.
After your bone has healed, an abutment is connected to the post to attach a custom-made restoration. It’s made to match the appearance of your real teeth to look natural.
Not only will you fill the gap in your smile, but you’ll stop bone loss to preserve any remaining teeth. You’ll lower your long-term oral health expenses and restore a youthful appearance.
Benefit From the Best With Dental Implants
500,000 people every year are choosing dental implants to treat their tooth loss, and for good reasons. They Offer exceptional benefits, including:
- Looks and feels natural.
- Over a 95% success rate.
- Doesn’t rely on other teeth for support.
- Preserves your jawbone.
- An average lifespan of 30+ years.
- Easy maintenance and care.
- Improves oral health.
- Long-lasting, cost-effective solution.
You don’t have to live with the consequences of tooth loss. Invest in the next best thing to your real teeth with dental implants.
About Dr. Ryan Weldon
Dr. Weldon earned his dental degree at the Medical College of Georgia and has regularly pursued continuing education in many specialties, like dental implants, bone grafting, and IV sedation. He has the qualifications and training to treat the most complex cases of tooth loss. Request an appointment through our website or call (706) 600-4602 to schedule your consultation.