June 12TH, 2026 / Dr. Andrea Joy Smith
Losing a tooth affects more than just your smile. While many people are concerned about the appearance of a missing tooth, the long-term effects on the jawbone can be even more significant. At Andrea Joy Smith, DDS, DICOI, Dr. Andrea Joy Smith helps patients in Sacramento, CA restore their smiles with dental implants while also protecting their long-term oral health.
Your jawbone relies on stimulation from your tooth roots to maintain its strength and density. Every time you bite and chew, pressure is transferred through the roots into the bone. When a tooth is lost, that stimulation disappears.
Without regular stimulation, the body begins to reabsorb the bone in that area. Over time, the jawbone can shrink and weaken, affecting both oral function and facial appearance.
Many patients are surprised to learn how much a missing tooth can affect their overall oral health. Bone loss can lead to:
The longer a missing tooth goes untreated, the more bone loss may occur.
Unlike traditional bridges or removable dentures, dental implants replace both the visible portion of the tooth and the root structure beneath the gums.
The implant post is placed directly into the jawbone where it functions like a natural tooth root. As you chew and speak, the implant stimulates the surrounding bone, helping maintain its strength and volume.
This unique benefit makes dental implants one of the most effective tooth replacement options available today.
In addition to preserving the jawbone, dental implants offer several advantages:
Dental implants are designed to blend seamlessly with your existing smile.
Patients can enjoy their favorite foods with confidence because implants provide stability similar to natural teeth.
With proper care and regular dental visits, dental implants can last for many years.
Unlike traditional bridges, implants do not require neighboring teeth to be altered or used for support.
Many patients assume they are no longer candidates for dental implants after living with missing teeth for years. However, advancements in implant dentistry may make treatment possible even if some bone loss has already occurred.
During your consultation, Dr. Andrea Joy Smith will evaluate your oral health, jawbone structure, and treatment goals to determine the best solution for your smile.
If you are missing one or more teeth, replacing them sooner rather than later can help protect your jawbone and maintain your oral health. At Andrea Joy Smith, DDS, DICOI, Dr. Andrea Joy Smith provides personalized dental implant solutions designed to restore both function and confidence.
Contact Andrea Joy Smith, DDS, DICOI today to schedule your dental implant consultation and learn how dental implants can help preserve your smile for years to come.