When all your teeth are removed, there are some serious consequences to your health. Not all dentists warn about them because they take ten to twenty years before their effects are realized. Once your teeth are gone, your body begins to absorb the minerals that make up your jawbone in order to use them elsewhere in your body. This condition is known as facial collapse.
Once your jawbone has shrunken, you will look years older than you really are. However, there is more than your personal appearance to consider. Eventually you will become a dental cripple. With much of your jaw gone, there is nothing for the denture to rest on. As a result, it floats around and can fall out at embarrassing times. Eating will become difficult, and it’s possible you will only be able to eat soft foods. This can adversely affect your health.
Preventing and Repairing Facial Collapse
If you’ve lost your natural teeth, the best way to protect yourself against facial collapse is to get dental implants. Once the implants are placed, your body interprets them as roots for your teeth and then leaves the minerals and bone in place.
If you’re already suffering from facial collapse, we can help you. The treatment is rather involved, but Dr. Burba has advanced training in bone grafting techniques so that he can rebuild your jaw in order to place implants.
If you have questions about whether or not you are a candidate for dental implants or bone grafting, you can schedule a complimentary consultation to meet us and ask questions. Click here to visit our request an appointment page or call our office to schedule a time directly.
