When you lose a tooth and don’t replace it with an implant, bridge or partial, you run the risk of the teeth adjacent to the lost tooth drifting into that space and changing your bite. This can also lead to tooth decay and/or gum disease.
But if you have several teeth lost and don’t replace them with an implant, bridge or partial, you may also experience facial collapse – this can make you look visibly older and more tired.
Photo 1 – Thinning of lips and pointing of chin due to multiple lost teeth.
The lips can appear thin and flattened and the chin can move up and look more pointed (Photo 1).
Photo 2 – Lines become more visible, jowls appear and mouth loses shape with multiple tooth loss.
The mouth can lose some of its shape and the lip line straightens out. Pouches can become pronounced on either side of the lower jaw and cracks or sores can form at the corners of the mouth (Photo 2).
If you are a victim of multiple tooth loss and have noticed a change in your facial appearance, give our office a call at (920) 645-0927 – it’s easy to replace missing teeth, and Dr. Luther can determine the best replacement choices for you.
(Excerpted from “The Chairside Instructor – a Visual Guide to Case Presentation” by the American Dental Association)
