How Missing Teeth Affect Aesthetics: The Effects of Prolonged Bone Resorption

Tooth decay, gum disease, and injury are common causes for missing teeth. Although losing a single tooth may seem like nothing to fret over, in truth this is far from the case. Regardless of the number of teeth missing throughout the smile, their absence will have numerous effects on both the health, function, and beauty of your aesthetics.

Below are a few of the many reasons why Dr. Snehal Petal educates his patients on the effects missing teeth have on your overall health and appearance as well as the importance of replacing them.

Bones Loss and Resorption: Significantly Affecting Facial Aesthetics

The jaw bone shrinks in a process of calcium re-integration, called bone resorption. This is accelerated in those with missing teeth. The tooth root serves many vital functions, one of which is stimulating the jaw bone to remain full and healthy.

Without normal jaw bone density, the facial structure can appear distorted. The chin can appear weakened, leading to a less impressive appearance. In advanced cases, the missing teeth contribute to a total collapsed appearance of the face. Without teeth to rest against, the lips will purse. These factors combined create an aged appearance to the face.

Missing Teeth: Disrupting Daily Life and Function

Without teeth, tasks such as eating and speaking are made more difficult. Chewing is the first step in the digestion process. Improper chewing can lead to indigestion, constipation, or nausea. The body can’t absorb all the nutrients from foods that aren’t properly chewed.

Prevention: Options for Replacement

The best option for replacing missing teeth is dental implants. They replace both the visible part of the tooth as well as the root beneath. Dental implants prevent further bone resorption and help the face remain functional and youthful in appearance. Once inserted, dental implants permanently replace missing teeth. If more teeth are lost, dental implants can support dentures. These devices anchor the dentures to the gums and ensure their security while eating and speaking.

Contact Us

For more information regarding missing tooth replacement, feel free to contact Lorton Springfield Dental Implant & Oral Surgery. We specialize in this aspect of dentistry. 

Why You Shouldn't Fear Oral Surgery

For many individuals, just the thought of visiting their dental office alone is enough to instill fear. The feeling is often worse for patients who are uncomfortable with dental office visits and require a surgical procedure. However, the reality is that nowadays you don’t need to fear oral surgery.

Along with the extensive education oral surgeons posses, with today’s technologies and comprehensive care, patients can take advantage of significant improvements to their smile and their self-esteem while undergoing care. Here are some important reasons why you shouldn’t fear oral surgery:

Oral Surgeons are Experts

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have a unique set of knowledge and skill that allows them to diagnose as well as treat a wide variety of complications. Following dental school, these specialists complete a minimum of four years in a hospital-based surgical resident program. Further guaranteeing them to create a safe and anxiety-free environment for all patients requiring oral surgery.

Oral surgeons are extensively trained to address advanced needs focusing on the complex anatomical facial structures of the mouth and jaw. Making them an essential link in a network with many primary care providers. When functional dental concerns require treatment, oral surgeons are the correct professional with whom to seek care.

Alleviating Pain and Discomfort

Most individuals avoid surgical attention due to the not knowing of how painful it may be. When experiencing these symptoms, it essential to seek proper treatment. Oral surgeons are skilled in numerous therapies such as:

Treating Facial Trauma: maxillofacial specialists have the skill to repair minor to complex skin tears,  set fractured jaw and facial bones, reconnect detached nerves and remedy other injuries. Involving the oral tissues, jaws, cheeks and nasal bones, eye sockets, and forehead.

Performing reconstructive and cosmetic surgery: Oral surgeons can correct jaw, facial bone, and soft tissue issues that have developed due to trauma or the removal of cysts or tumors. These surgeries restore form and function to the maxillofacial area.

Easing Facial Pain: A specialist can diagnose and treat facial discomfort disorders such as TMJ issues. When non-surgical treatment has not been sufficient for alleviating pain, or there is joint damage, your oral surgeon may suggest surgery.

Performing Corrective Jaw Surgery: Oral surgeons correct minor and significant skeletal and dental jaw irregularities to improve chewing, speaking and breathing. In collaboration with an orthodontist, these specialists reconstruct the upper and lower jaws to synchronize proper dental and maxillofacial balance. Oral surgeons also surgically correct hereditary disabilities of the face and skull, such as cleft lip and cleft palate.

Administering Sedation and Anesthesia

Many individuals experience anxiety about dental visits. At times, this can hold them back from seeking the dental care they need. Oral anesthesia managed by a trusted oral surgeon allows patients to gain a sense of comfort about any form of surgical procedure and may enable them to consider more necessary treatment they have previously feared. Discomfort and fear during dental care can be significantly reduced or even eliminated.

Dental phobia can be helped with sedation. Oral surgeons are highly trained for addressing apprehensions in patients while providing a compassionate approach. With sedation dentistry, they utilize the medication to provide a relaxing and anxiety-free experience for patients undergoing surgical care.

When seeking expert surgical care to address any maxillofacial complications, consider our team of skilled specialists at Lorton Springfield Dental Implant & Oral surgery.

Nitrous Sedation FAQ

What is Nitrous Sedation?

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is used as a local sedation method. It is both colorless and odorless. This sedation is effective because it relaxes patients with dental anxieties and phobias while undergoing treatment.

Nitrous oxide’s usefulness also stems from how quickly it works and that its effects are reversible. For those and many other reasons, it is widely used and considered to be an entirely safe relaxation method.

How is Nitrous Oxide Administered?

Commonly, a plastic breathing tube is strapped around your nose. You simply need to breathe normally to inhale the nitrous oxide and oxygen combination.

Regardless of the technique of distribution, you should feel calm and relaxed.

Who Can Benefit from Nitrous?

Anyone who is in good overall health and extremely anxious about getting any dental work done should take advantage of this method.

Is Nitrous Safe for Adults as Well as Children?

Not only is it safe for kids, but laughing gas is a preferred sedation method for children who are nervous about dental visits and procedures. It is important to discuss with your dentist or oral surgeon ahead of time to determine the appropriate relaxation technique.

Nitrous oxide can work equally well for adults as well. Results typically vary on an individual basis.

Who Should Be Monitoring Me?

Only an experienced and licensed dental or healthcare professional should monitor your nitrous oxide administration. It is essential before any procedure to discuss with your dentist or oral surgeon that they have these credentials.

Are There Any Special Instructions Prior to Receiving Nitrous Oxide?

The most important is not to consume any food before undergoing nitrous oxide sedation because it can cause nausea in some patients. You should always provide your dental professional with an accurate and complete list of any medications or supplements you’re currently taking. If you have problems breathing through your nose, you must inform them.

What Are the Side Effects?

Possible side effects include giddiness, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, slurred speech, and relaxation.

Dr. Snehal Patel and his capable team of Lorton Springfield Dental Implant & Oral Surgery are dedicated to easing anxiety and alleviating pain for patients of all ages. We take pride in working alongside a network of dentists to ensure the highest quality of care.