{"id":252,"date":"2020-01-13T22:36:00","date_gmt":"2020-01-13T22:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.21stcenturydental.com\/blog\/?p=252"},"modified":"2025-04-30T13:53:56","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T13:53:56","slug":"tooth-loss-facial-collapse-dental-implants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.21stcenturydental.com\/blog\/tooth-loss-facial-collapse-dental-implants\/","title":{"rendered":"How Losing a Tooth Can Change the Shape of Your Face"},"content":{"rendered":"
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After suffering a\nblow to the mouth, one of your teeth fell out. However, the tooth in question\nwas near the back, and most people don\u2019t even realize it\u2019s missing when you smile.\nDoes that mean you can leave the space alone without worrying about your\nappearance? Unfortunately, the answer is \u201cno\u201d; even if tooth loss doesn\u2019t\naffect your smile, it can still have a severe impact on your face. Find out\nmore about the link between missing teeth and facial collapse \u2013 and how getting\ndental implants to fill the gap makes all the difference!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Does Tooth Loss Lead to Facial Collapse?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In some ways, bones are like muscles; if they\u2019re not being\nused, they\u2019ll start to break down. After you lose your teeth, the jaw will no\nlonger be stimulated by the actions of chewing and biting. This tells the body\nthat the bone is no longer \u201cneeded\u201d, and as a result resorption begins. Over\ntime, the bone will start to lose durability and strength. Not only will this\ncause your other teeth to shift into the empty socket, but eventually your\nentire facial appearance will start to change. In extreme cases of tooth loss,\nyour lips could end up caving into your mouth, making you look much older. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Prevent Facial Collapse?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several ways to replace teeth, but what can you do\nabout facial collapse? Most dental prosthetics don\u2019t interact with the jawbone\nat all, so they have no effect on bone loss. However, there is one solution\nthat lets you recomplete your smile while stopping your jaw from deteriorating:\ndental\nimplants.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are Dental Implants, and What are Their Benefits?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dental implants \u2013 small, metal posts \u2013 are surgically inserted\ninto the jawbone. They support custom-made dental restorations that are\nattached via abutments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While dentures and other traditional methods of tooth replacement\ncan provide the everyday functions of teeth, only implants actively stimulate\nthe jaw \u2013 meaning they can stop facial collapse from occurring at all. And\nsince the titanium post is hidden under the gums and a natural-looking\nrestoration, you can maintain a dazzling, youthful smile for all the world to\nsee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Implants can offer other advantages, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n