How Long After Teeth Extractions Does Facial Collapse Occur?

Diabetes complications have led to two amputated toes on my left foot and needing my last ten upper teeth extracted. I understand facial collapse will follow the extractions, so I have been talking to my dentist about dentures. I requested a high-end denture with teeth that look real, but for some reason, my dentist doesn’t seem confident about doing it. I am also concerned about how facial collapse will affect my denture in the long term. Is facial collapse rapid? Thank you. Spencer from Fort Worth

Spencer,

An examination and 3D imaging are required to explain your options and develop a treatment plan. Still, we will discuss why facial collapse occurs and how to prevent it.

How Long After Teeth Extractions Does Facial Collapse Occur?

When all teeth are missing, facial collapse gradually occurs over ten to twenty years. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the jawbone resorbs 25 percent in the first three months after tooth extractions and up to 50 percent in the first six months.

How Will Dentures Affect Your Facial Appearance?

When dentures rest on your gums, they accelerate bone shrinkage. As your bone shrinks, you will need periodic denture relines and replacements. As your jawbone narrows, a removable denture will not stay in place.

How Can You Prevent Facial Collapse?

Implant-supported dentures can prevent facial collapse. Dental implants are the most effective solution for preserving the jawbone and keeping facial muscles intact.

Implants have these benefits:

• A dentist places them in your jawbone to stimulate the bone like natural tooth roots.
• They help prevent bone shrinkage.
• They decrease the risk of premature facial sagging.
• Denture stability and function will increase.

When an implant dentist removes your remaining teeth and immediately places implants, it can prevent the need for bone grafting procedures. The implants will stimulate your bone, and you can get replacement teeth the same day.

Can You Fix Facial Collapse?

Yes, there is hope for correcting facial collapse. Grafting procedures can build up the jawbone, and after a healing period, an implant dentist can place dental implants to keep the jawbone intact. The bone grafts and a new custom denture will lift your facial muscles and help reshape your face.

We recommend getting a second opinion from an advanced implant dentist to discuss your options.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post.

Why Are My Crowned Teeth Sensitive to Heat?

I have implant crowns and three crowns on my natural teeth. The crowns on my natural teeth are more than 20 years old. The crowns are on my left front tooth and the two teeth behind them. Two of the teeth are sensitive to heat. Maybe I notice it more now that the weather is cooler, and I have been eating more soup and drinking more tea. The pain is increasing. My dentist is from Portugal and is out of the country on holiday until February 12. He takes the trip yearly. Is this something that can wait, or should I see another dentist? – Thank you. Giovanni from NJ

Giovanni,

We understand your concerns. You need dental care promptly.

Why Are Crowned Teeth Sensitive to Heat?

Sudden pain and sensitivity to heat are symptoms of a dying tooth. Your sensitive teeth are infected. As the tissue inside the tooth swells, it releases gasses. When the tooth is exposed to hot temperatures, the pressure increases, and so does your pain.

What Causes an Infection Beneath Dental Crowns?

Decay beneath your crowns or exposed root surfaces might be the cause of irritation and infection in your teeth.

A dentist must remove your crowns to examine your teeth and see their condition. Afterward, root canal treatment will remove the dead pulp. And a dentist can replace the pulp with filler material. And you will need new crowns. Ask the dentist also to check the old crown on the third tooth. Beneath the crown, your tooth may be irritated and at risk for infection like the others.

How Long Does a Dental Implant Take?

Getting a dental implant from start to finish takes three to nine months. The process takes time because of several phases. Depending on your situation, you can expect several steps:

• Initial consultation – Your dentist or oral surgeon will complete an exam and a 3-D x-ray to ensure you are a candidate for implants.
• Tooth removal – Surgically removing teeth takes about 30 minutes unless there are complications.
• Implant surgery – Inserting implants through your gum and jawbone takes one to two hours per implant.
• Healing – You will wait three to four months while the implant and bone fuse.
• Periodic checkups – Your surgeon or dentist will check the surgical sites for proper healing during the healing process.
• Final crown – After the healing period, your dentist will take images of your mouth for a lab to make the final implant crowns. Your dentist will attach crowns to the implants.

 

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post.