Will facial sagging from missing teeth improve when I get new dentures? I am 52 years old and missing all my teeth. I wore dentures for four years but could not afford new ones after a mishap. I already can tell my bone is shrinking and wonder if the sagging will improve with new dentures. Hopefully, I will get some good news from you. Thank you. Larry from Rapid City, SD
Hello, Larry,
Thank you for your question.
Will Dentures Improve Facial Sagging?
Dentures can improve facial sagging to a limited extent because they provide some lift and support for your facial muscles. You will experience additional facial support if you receive implant dentures. You may need grafting to build up the bone to support dental implants if you have experienced jawbone shrinkage.
What Causes Facial Sagging When Teeth Are Missing?
When all your teeth are missing, your face will sag as your jawbone shrinks. Why does your jawbone shrink? Consider the facts:
- Tooth roots stimulate and preserve the jawbone
- When your teeth are missing, jawbone stimulation stops
- Your body begins to resorb the bone and use the minerals from it elsewhere
- With less jawbone to support your facial muscles, your face starts to sag
How Can You Prevent Facial Sagging?
Implant denture
You can prevent facial sagging when all your teeth are missing by supporting your dentures with dental implants. Implants are artificial tooth roots that stimulate the bone and to avoid shrinkage. Two to six dental implants can support a denture. A denture can snap onto two implants or screw onto four or more implants.
Cheap implants can loosen, get infected, and fail. So, rather than new dentures preventing facial sagging, bone grafting and implant overdentures are the solutions. But please do not shop around for the lowest cost. Look for a dentist with advanced training who will use a three-dimensional CT scan to plan for and place your implants precisely. Schedule a consultation to discuss your options.
Monroe, Louisiana, dentist Dr. David Finley sponsors this post. Dr. Finley and his team participate in continuing education to help them offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.
