Can Dental Implants Make Me Look Younger?

Tooth restoration has come a long way since the old days. Dental bridges and dentures have been around for a long time, and modern versions of these feel more comfortable and look more realistic than they ever have before. Unfortunately, these restorations do not do anything to address the problems with the jawbone that result from tooth loss. Dental implants, on the other hand, can prevent and even reverse the process of bone loss that starts after you lose teeth. Here’s how dental implants can help make you look younger.

How Can Missing Teeth Make Me Look Older?

Like the rest of your body, your jawbone needs exercise to stay healthy. Healthy teeth provide it with this exercise as they work against it during the chewing process. Soon after the tooth is lost, the part of the jawbone underneath it begins to atrophy. As the jawbone recedes more and more, it can pull neighboring teeth out of alignment, which makes them harder to clean and easier to injure. This can result in a vicious cycle of tooth loss.

When many teeth are lost, the jaw no longer receives the stress it needs to stay strong. It will begin to sink into the face, causing difficulty speaking and leave the lips with a hanging, withered appearance.

Why Do Dentures and Bridges Not Do Enough to Make Me Look Younger?

While dentures and bridges can replace missing teeth, they cannot restore the exercise the jawbone needs to stay strong. This is because they are designed to be worn on top of the gums rather than to integrate with the body’s tissues in a similar way to that of natural teeth. While dentures and bridges may slow the process of bone loss, they will not be able to prevent or reverse it.

How Do Dental Implants Keep My Jaw Strong?

A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone with an artificial tooth attached to it above the gumline. In the several months following placement, this post will become fused with the jaw through the natural process of osseointegration. Because they are implanted directly in the jawbone, they can restore the exercise needed to keep its structure strong and healthy. As the patient chews, the implant will work against the jawbone similarly to real teeth. This allows dental implants to prevent and even reverse the bone loss that results from tooth loss.

About the Practice

Rubal Dentistry Azle creates a warm and comfortable environment for dental care in Azle, TX. Led by Drs. Frank and Jodie Rubal, the staff delivers top-quality dental health services with stunning customer service. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry in addition to dental implant services. For more information on what dental implants can do for you, contact the office online or dial (817) 444-2585.