Facial Collapse from Jawbone Deterioration
It’s normal for your facial appearance to change as you age. But facial collapse isn’t normal. If all of your teeth are missing, your jawbone will progressively shrink, leave your facial muscles without proper support, and eventually cause facial collapse.
Jawbone progressively resorbs when all of your teeth are missing.
Images on this page courtesy of
Dr. Carl Misch, Dental Implant Prosthetics
Effects of Jawbone Shrinkage
In addition to facial sagging, there are other concerns with jawbone shrinkage:
- It makes it difficult, if not impossible, to support dentures.
- A thin jawbone has sharp ridges that are easily irritated by dentures, causing pain and sores.
- A thin jawbone can also break more easily.
Preventing and Treating Facial Collapse
Preventing it
Jawbone shrinkage occurs when teeth are missing. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone. They stimulate the bone and prevent shrinkage and facial collapse.
If you need dentures, consider implant overdentures for a stable prosthesis and to prevent bone shrinkage and facial sagging. Read more about the benefits of this treatment on our implant overdentures page.
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- Athens: Athens Phone Number 706-549-9711
- Atlanta/Buckhead: Atlanta/Buckhead Phone Number 404-233-5385
- Conyers: Conyers Phone Number 770-483-9692
- Covington: Covington Phone Number 770-787-2444
- Decatur: Decatur Phone Number 770-981-9400
- Dunwoody: Dunwoody Phone Number 678-328-4122
- Monroe: Monroe Phone Number 678-345-1014
- Northlake/Tucker: Northlake/Tucker Phone Number 770-934-1907
- Roswell: Roswell Phone Number 678-781-0050
- Snellville: Snellville Phone Number 770-979-9500
An edentulous bite (all teeth are missing) results in jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse
Treating it
If you already have dentures but they aren’t supported by implants, the pressure of the dentures on your jawbone will accelerate shrinkage. Implant overdentures help prevent further bone loss, as well as facial collapse.
When there is significant bone shrinkage, bone grafting might be needed to ensure that your dental implants have enough support. After a four- to six-month healing period, the implants can be surgically placed.
Request an Appointment with us to learn about your options for dental implants and preventing or treating facial collapse.