Losing teeth leads to changes in the structures around the teeth, causing discomfort and chewing difficulties and, consequently, nutritional and general health problems.
These changes are clearly seen in patients who have lost all their teeth and have been known since antiquity, as depicted by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century. Da Vinci clearly drew the aesthetic changes produced by the reduction of the lower third of the face, anterior-superior turn of the jaw and sinking of the maxillary bone below the nose, producing the popularly known 'witch's profile'.
This is defined by a bony alteration, whereby we see a decrease in the width and height of the supporting bone, thus increasing the ease of mandibular fractures and sore spots to the touch due to the appearance of spikes and muscle insertion lines.
As far as the soft tissues are concerned, there is a progressive reduction in the gum, which in turn becomes thinner and more easily injured by friction. The tongue also undergoes a change: it increases in size, as it has to take on a more active role in chewing.
All these changes cause mobility in removable prostheses, the traditional 'removable dentures', as they have less support and their muscular insertions are closer to the bone, lifting or detaching the prosthesis when speaking or moving the facial muscles for eating or gesturing.
In addition, in extreme cases, a decrease in sensitivity due to compression of the nerves close to the prosthesis can occur, modifying and reducing the quality of life of any person.
For all these reasons, it is advisable to replace teeth that have to be extracted due to caries, trauma or excessive wear and tear, in order to maintain the original characteristics of our mouth, keeping a young and attractive appearance that allows us to feel good about ourselves and that, above all, offers us chewing facilities and quality of life in our daily routine.
Consult your trusted dentist if you want to know how you can do this, maintaining your bone level to the maximum and ensuring a future in optimal conditions.
