Can you tell me what facial collapse is? My dentist says that is the reason I should get implants instead of dentures.
Casey G.- New Hampshire
Casey,
Facial Collapse is what happens after you’ve removed all your teeth. Your body recognizes you no longer need your jawbone for your tooth roots, so it begins to reabsorb the minerals into the rest of your body where they can be used. Your jawbone slowly begins to shrink. After ten or twenty years there isn’t enough bone left to support your dentures.
The reason your dentist is suggesting dental implants, is the implanted root signals to your body that the minerals are still needed. Therefore, it will not redistribute them and your jawbone remains in tact. They are more expensive initially, but in the long run save you from having to get expensive bone grafting and new dentures or implants.
This blog is brought to you by Seattle Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Brian McKay.
