When most people think about dental implants, they focus on the visible result—a complete, natural-looking smile. But one of the most important benefits of dental implants is something you can't see: how they help preserve your jawbone.
At Barrera Advanced Dentistry in Torrance, we believe that dental implants are more than just a cosmetic solution. They play a crucial role in maintaining your oral health, facial structure, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been told you need a dental implant or are considering options to replace a missing tooth, here’s why your jawbone should be part of the conversation.
What Happens to Your Jawbone When You Lose a Tooth?
Your teeth do more than help you chew and smile—they actively stimulate your jawbone every time you bite down. This stimulation keeps your bone tissue healthy and strong.
When a tooth is lost or extracted, the bone underneath no longer receives this stimulation. Over time, the jawbone begins to shrink in a process known as bone resorption. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), patients can lose up to 25% of bone width within the first year after tooth loss, and the process continues if the tooth isn’t replaced.
Bone loss can lead to:
- Changes in facial appearance (sunken cheeks, aged appearance)
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Shifting of surrounding teeth
- Poor fit for dentures or bridges
- Increased risk of further tooth loss
Why Traditional Tooth Replacement Options Fall Short
While dental bridges and dentures can fill the gap left by a missing tooth, they don’t prevent bone loss. These options rest on the gums or adjacent teeth without stimulating the jawbone.
Over time, patients who rely solely on bridges or removable dentures often notice:
- A loose fit as the jawbone shrinks
- Changes in facial structure
- Ongoing dental complications from bone loss
That’s why, at Barrera Advanced Dentistry in Torrance, we recommend dental implants as the most complete, long-term solution.
How Dental Implants Preserve Your Jawbone
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. This post integrates with the bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.
What makes implants unique is that they stimulate the jawbone just like natural teeth. Every time you chew, pressure transfers through the implant to the bone, helping to maintain bone density and strength.
According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology, patients who received dental implants showed no significant jawbone loss over a 10-year period—a remarkable statistic when compared to those who used removable dentures alone.
The Long-Term Benefits of Preserving Your Jawbone
Choosing dental implants isn’t just about restoring your smile—it’s an investment in your long-term oral and facial health.
Here’s why preserving your jawbone matters:
Facial Structure Protection
When bone loss occurs, it can cause your cheeks to appear hollow and your chin to shift upward, leading to a prematurely aged look. Dental implants help maintain your natural facial contours.
Improved Dental Function
Strong jawbone support means your implants can withstand biting and chewing forces just like natural teeth. This allows you to enjoy your favorite foods without discomfort or limitations.
Prevention of Further Tooth Loss
A weakened jawbone increases the risk of neighboring teeth shifting or becoming loose. Implants help stabilize your entire dental arch and prevent future problems.
Better Denture Fit
For patients who need full arch replacements, implant-supported dentures provide superior stability and prevent the slipping or discomfort caused by bone resorption.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most healthy adults with missing teeth and adequate bone density are good candidates for dental implants. Even if you have already experienced some bone loss, treatments like bone grafting can rebuild the area to support an implant.
At Barrera Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Barrera will conduct a thorough evaluation using advanced imaging technology to determine the health of your jawbone and develop a customized treatment plan.
Why Choose Barrera Advanced Dentistry in Torrance?
As a trusted provider of dental implants in the Torrance and South Bay area, Dr. Barrera combines advanced training with a patient-focused approach. We offer:
- Comprehensive implant evaluations
- Cutting-edge technology for precise placement
- Sedation options for comfort and ease
- Full-service implant care, from placement to restoration
Our goal is to restore your smile while protecting your long-term oral health.
Protect Your Smile From the Inside Out
Missing teeth affect more than how your smile looks—they impact the foundation of your oral health. Dental implants don’t just fill a gap; they preserve your jawbone and protect the structure of your face and mouth for years to come.
If you live in Torrance, Redondo Beach, or the greater South Bay area and want to learn more about the lasting benefits of dental implants, the team at Barrera Advanced Dentistry is here to help.
Schedule your implant consultation today and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier smile.
Posted on behalf of Barrera Advanced Dentistry