I have had three upper tooth missing for about 8 years and one lower tooth missing for about 9 years. I have noticed what feels like a decrease in volume in my jawbone on that side of my mouth. It is also difficult for me to chew on that side, so I chew on the left side of my mouth. When I look at myself in the mirror, I notice that the right side of my face looks a little sunken. Finally, I can get dental implants, but I wonder if this thing with my jawbone and face will get corrected with the implants. Oksana
Oksana – The situation you are describing with your cheek and jawbone is likely an indication that your jawbone is shrinking. When a tooth is missing, your body resorbs the jawbone from the space. A shrunken jawbone can cause the face to sag, as you described.
Can You Get Implants with Bone Shrinkage?
If you have jawbone shrinkage, to receive dental implants, bone grafting, an implant dentist or oral surgeon must build up your jawbone.
- After the grafting procedure, when your jawbone heals, dental implants can be placed.
- It takes about four months for bone grafts to heal.
- Building up your jawbone and placing the implant will help to give your face its natural form again.
Beware of Bargain Implants
Dental implants can prevent bone shrinkage and facial sagging
People who need dental implants might be tempted to find the lowest cost possible. The danger in price shopping is that you may receive poor quality in implant fixtures and implant placement. We strongly recommend that you find a few experienced implant dentists with whom you can have consultations.
You will discuss your options with each dentist and decide who you want to complete your implant placement. Be sure to find an implant dentist who is also a cosmetic dentist. They will provide you with natural-looking crowns for your implants.
This post is sponsored by Michael Szarek, DMD of Lowell, MA.