Will Dental Implants Change My Facial Appearance?

Will getting a dental implant for my front teeth change my appearance?

I would like to ask: It has been three weeks since my front tooth implant (the implant was placed into the gums).
The swelling has subsided, but I notice that my facial features seem to have changed—there's some swelling around the philtrum area, and it feels a bit hard when I gently press on it.
I would like to know if this is still residual swelling or if the implant placement has altered my facial features...
It looks like there is something under the surface.

Miss Ye, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/03/24

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

It has been three weeks since the front tooth implant.
Although the swelling has subsided, the area above the upper lip is still slightly swollen and feels a bit hard when gently pressed.
This may be due to insufficient bone volume in the jaw during the implant placement process, which necessitated the simultaneous use of bone grafting to maintain the stability of the implant.
It is recommended to return to the original surgical clinic for follow-up treatment.

Reply Date: 2014/03/24

More Info

Dental implants can indeed have an impact on your facial appearance, although the extent of this change can vary from person to person. When you undergo a dental implant procedure, the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, and over time, it integrates with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This process is essential for the stability and longevity of the implant, but it can also lead to some changes in the surrounding soft tissues and overall facial contours.

In your case, since you mentioned that it has been three weeks since the implant was placed and you are experiencing some swelling and a feeling of hardness in the area, it is likely that you are still in the healing phase. Swelling is a common response to surgery, and it can take several weeks for the tissues to fully heal and for any residual swelling to subside. During this healing period, it is not unusual for the appearance of your face to change slightly, especially around the area where the implant was placed. The feeling of pressure or hardness you are experiencing may be due to the swelling or the implant itself, which is still settling into place.

Once the healing process is complete, many patients find that their facial appearance improves, particularly if they had missing teeth prior to the implant. Dental implants can help restore the natural contour of the face, which may have been affected by the loss of teeth. When teeth are missing, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate over time, leading to a sunken appearance in the face. By replacing missing teeth with implants, you can help maintain the structure of the jawbone and improve the overall aesthetics of your face.

However, it is essential to monitor your healing process closely. If the swelling persists beyond a few weeks or if you experience significant discomfort, it is crucial to consult your dentist or oral surgeon. They can assess whether the swelling is a normal part of the healing process or if there are any complications that need to be addressed, such as infection or issues with the implant itself.

In summary, while dental implants can change your facial appearance, particularly in a positive way by restoring lost volume and structure, the immediate changes you are observing are likely related to the healing process. It is essential to give your body time to heal and to follow up with your dental professional to ensure everything is progressing as expected. If you have concerns about the changes in your appearance or the healing process, do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist for guidance and reassurance.

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