Can Dental Implants Affect the Structure of the Face?

Dental implants are far more common than people may think. This is because they replace missing teeth – even if you can’t see them. While it may not seem like it, dental implants can actually affect your facial structure. That’s why we wrote an article about dental implants’ hidden effects. Read more in this article about how implants affect your facial structure to help you make a more informed decision about getting them. 

Can Dental Implants Affect the Structure of the Face?

Dental implants replace missing teeth. However, this is not their only important role. They also replace the role of your natural root, enabling your jaw bone to maintain its health, reducing bone loss/loss of bone density, as well as its ability to heal.

When you do not have any teeth at all, your lower jaw bone enamel is constantly rubbing against one another, causing it to deteriorate faster than it would if you had teeth. This is what causes your face to appear older and more worn out than it should.

In short, the main role of dental implants is to maintain the health of your jaw bone. Without dental implants, your jaw bone will continue to erode, and you will begin to look older and more worn out in time.

What is Resorption?

To understand how dental implants can affect your facial structure, it’s worth revisiting what resorption is. The truth is that resorption is a very common term when it comes to dental implants.

Resorption occurs when the body absorbs the implant. Basically, instead of the implant acting as a support structure for your jaw, the body will absorb it, and it will turn into part of your jaw bone. This naturally causes your jaw bone to grow.

Resorption and Facial Structure

Resorption occurs because the jaw is an active bone that moves and grows. When this bone receives an implant, it is biologically designed to absorb it into itself.

The jaw bone is meant to grow, so when it receives a foreign object that does not belong there, it is naturally designed to turn it into bone. This is what resorption actually is.

When your dental implant is being used as a root to replace a tooth, the jawbone is designed to absorb it. In this situation, resorption is a good thing. If it didn’t happen, then the jawbone would not be able to grow, and you would begin to lose bone density.

If you get a dental implant, then not only will you begin to retain bone density, but you will also keep your natural smile. With dental implants, you will look younger and healthier.

Conclusion

Dental implants’ hidden effects are what make them so popular. This is because they will not only help you look more youthful, but they’ll also allow you to keep your natural smile. If you are missing a tooth (or multiple teeth!), then you want to replace it with a dental implant. This will enable the jawbone to grow and keep its healthy structure.

If you’re keen on knowing more about dental implants’ hidden effects or want to get dental implants in Oro Valley, come to Oro Valley Dental Arts. We are here to cater to all your dental needs. Visit us and inquire about dental implants today!