Avoid Premature Facial Aging with Dental Implants

Facial aging is a term most adults dread but it is a natural part of life. While there are many treatments and procedures that can delay or slow the process, aging cannot be prevented altogether. However, if there are signs of aging that develop prematurely, that means that something can be done. Many people think of sun exposure, smoking and other habits that can accelerate facial aging. But did you know that missing teeth can cause a noticeable “aged look” too?

How Do Missing Teeth Make You Look Older?

When teeth go missing and aren’t replaced, your lips may cave in and create wrinkles around your mouth. However, even if you replace your missing teeth with a bridge, partial or traditional denture, you may still experience gradual but “premature” facial aging. This occurs due to the progressive loss of underlying jaw bone when there is no tooth root to stimulate the bone or “give it exercise” during the day. Over time, the bone gradually resorbs within the body, and patients are left with a sunken or hallowed appearance in the lower third of their face. It is true that facial bones do shrink with age, but this type of bone loss is drastically accelerated and more noticeable than it should be. Any bone loss in the face will cause the skin to droop down and sag, which means more wrinkles.

The Only Solution to Prevent Bone Loss

If you are missing one tooth or a full arch of teeth, you have one solution if you want to replace those teeth without suffering the consequences of bone loss and premature facial aging: dental implants. Dental implants have titanium posts that are inserted and fused into your jaw bone to anchor the prosthetic tooth or teeth. This essentially tricks your jaw into thinking there is a tooth root, and the bone can remain stimulated and dense. More importantly, you won’t experience unwanted changes in facial structure that make you look older.

Dental implants allow adults to regain a healthy and stable smile while hanging on to their youthful appearance as long as possible. Call Dr. Wayne Suway to learn how implant dentistry can improve your health and wellbeing.