Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Since they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they allow for a wide range of benefits that you can’t achieve with dentures or dental bridges. This includes stability, comfort, and longevity. However, a question that you may be asking is whether or not the strength of dental implants compares to that of real teeth. Read on to learn more about dental implants and how they stand up to natural teeth.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
In most cases, dental implants are made from titanium, and they look like tiny screws. During the placement procedure, your dentist places your dental implants directly into your jawbone. Over the next few months, the dental implants fuse to the jawbone in a process called “osseointegration.” Once complete, the abutments are placed on the ends of your dental implants. This is what secures your custom-crafted restoration to your jaw. Your restoration is personalized to match the exact size, shape, and color needed to blend in with the rest of your smile.
How Does the Strength of Dental Implants Compare to Natural Teeth?
Dental implants are the strongest tooth replacement option available. Here are some of the factors that contribute to their constitution.
- Jawbone: The strength and stability of your dental implant will depend on the health of your jawbone. Thanks to osseointegration, your jawbone will heal around your implants, essentially becoming one. A healthy jawbone can stabilize your dental implants, so they function just as optimally as natural teeth. If your jawbone isn’t strong enough to support an implant, you may need to undergo bone grafting beforehand.
- No Tooth Decay: The restoration used to replace your missing teeth is not made from tooth enamel, so they aren’t susceptible to tooth decay. Even though these teeth don’t decay, it’s still possible to develop gum disease and your surrounding natural teeth can still experience decay, so it’s important to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine.
- Titanium: The implant itself and the abutment attached to the dental implant are both made from surgical-grade titanium. This is one of the strongest metals in the world and is commonly used in the field of medicine because it is biocompatible and resists deterioration. After the titanium and jawbone fuse together, your dental implants are pretty much guaranteed to stay I place.
Dental implants can be just as reliable if not more-so when you care for them properly. When it comes to tooth replacement, implants are the way to go.
About the Practice
At Anderson Dental, Dr. Karl Anderson and Dr. Austin McCullough work together to treat patients in the Rapid City area. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (605) 721-1219.