Dental health is not only about maintaining a brilliant, confident smile. It plays a vital role in overall health, and in particular, the preservation of facial structure. At Southland Dental Care in Los Angeles, we’re dedicated to helping patients understand these connections. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how dental implants, including full arch and full mouth dental implants, contribute to the preservation of facial structure.
Understanding Facial Structure and Dental Health
The relationship between oral health and facial structure is intrinsic. Teeth support the muscles and skin that shape your face. When teeth are lost, this support weakens, leading to changes in your facial structure.
Bone loss is a significant consequence of missing teeth. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in the area of the missing tooth shrinks and deteriorates over time. This process is known as resorption. When resorption occurs, it can cause a change in the shape of the face, typically resulting in a sagged or sunken appearance.
The Role of Dental Implants
Here’s where dental implants come in. Dental implants, whether single, full arch, or full mouth, play a significant role in maintaining facial structure by preventing bone resorption. They do this by replacing not only the visible part of the tooth but the root as well. This feature makes dental implants a game-changer in restorative dentistry.
The implants, usually made of titanium, are surgically placed into the jawbone. Over time, the bone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration, securing it in place. This process provides the stimulation needed to preserve the bone and prevent resorption, contributing to the maintenance of your facial structure.
Full Arch and Full Mouth Dental Implants
At Southland Dental Care, our experienced periodontist, Dr. Delaram Hanookai, has expertise in full arch dental implants. These solutions are transformative for patients who have multiple missing teeth or are completely edentulous (toothless).
Full arch or full mouth dental implants can not only restore function and aesthetics, but they also play a critical role in preserving the patient’s facial structure. By providing the necessary stimulation to the jawbone, these dental implants help maintain the bone volume, preventing the facial sagging commonly associated with tooth loss. This preservation of the facial structure can help patients maintain a youthful appearance while also improving their oral health and quality of life.