Your teeth are important for more than just a beautiful smile. They also provide your facial tissues with support. Despite the latest advancements in dentistry, at least 120 million Americans have one or more missing teeth. With each tooth you lose, the density in your jawbone also decreases, which can make you look older than your real age. Thankfully, you can turn back the clock with dental implants in Tallahassee. Not only will you complete your smile, but you’ll also give your face a lift without cosmetic surgery.
Missing Teeth and Bone Loss
When a tooth is lost, you’re missing more than what you see on the surface. You also lose the root. As a result, your jawbone will not be stimulated, causing it to slowly shrink. Research shows you can lose as much as 25% of your jaw’s density within the first year of experiencing tooth loss. As more time passes, you’ll continue to lose more density.
Eventually, your remaining teeth won’t have the support they need to stay in place. Over time, they can loosen and fall out. Unfortunately, an incomplete smile isn’t the only complication. You’ll also notice changes in your facial appearance. Your face can look sunken and you might even develop deep creases and folds.
Dental Implants Can Give Your Face a Lift
A dental implant is the only treatment to stop bone loss associated with missing teeth because they recreate the entire structure of a tooth. A titanium implant post is surgically placed into your jaw to serve as a root, stimulating new bone growth. This protects your jawbone’s density to support any remaining natural teeth and provides your facial tissues with support for a youthful appearance.
Unfortunately, if you’ve had missing teeth for several years, you might not have enough bone to support the implant posts. Don’t worry, you can become a candidate for dental implants with bone grafting. The procedure adds thickness to areas of your jaw that have weakened. Not only does this provide a stable foundation for your dental implants, but it also restores the framework for your facial tissues.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you’ve lost one or more teeth, you might be a candidate for dental implants. Your dentist will perform a thorough consultation to ensure you have good oral and general health. They will also review a CT scan of your jaw to ensure there is enough bone to place your posts. If they find your jaw is compromised, they will recommend bone grafting before moving forward with your placement surgery.
If you’re ready to restore a youthful appearance with a dental implant facelift in Tallahassee, take your first step toward a new smile by scheduling your consultation.
About Dr. Ransey Boyd
Dr. Boyd earned her dental degree at the University of Florida. She regularly continues her training to provide the latest treatments and techniques to resolve complex oral health issues, like tooth loss. She can replace your missing teeth with dental implants. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for a complete smile.