Are Dental Implants Better Than Natural Teeth?

Dental implants are the best tooth replacement solution available today. 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, you may be asking yourself whether or not the strength of dental implants compares to the strength of natural teeth. Continue reading to learn more about the dental implants and how they stand up to natural teeth.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

In the majority of cases, dental implants are made of titanium, and they look like tiny screws. During the placement procedure, your dentist places your dental implants directly into the jawbone. Over the next few months, the dental implants fuse to your jawbone in a process known as “osteointegration.” 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 might need to undergo bone grafting beforehand.
• No Tooth Decay: The restoration used to replace your missing teeth isn’t made from tooth enamel, so they aren’t susceptible to tooth decay. Enen though these teeth don’t decay, it is 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.
• Surgical-Grade 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 materials 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 put.

Dental implants can be just as reliable as natural teeth – if not more so depending on your oral health. When it comes to tooth replacement, dental implants are definitely the way to go!

About the Author

Dr. Abdallah Ifraitekh earned his dental doctorate from the Boston University Henry M. Holdman School of Dental Medicine. Since then, he has gained more than 24 years of experience and has remained committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. He is currently affiliated with the Academy of General Dentistry. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation at his office in Georgetown, visit his website or call (512) 763-5774.