Are Dental Implants As Strong As Natural Teeth?

Are dental implants as strong as natural teeth? The question is not as simple as it initially seems. The following is a short list of some of the reasons why dental implants may or may not be stronger than natural teeth.

Dental Implants Are Constructed From Titanium

Dental implants are constructed from titanium that is inserted down into the jaw where the tooth root would normally be. Your bone then grows around the implant, a process known as osseointegration, fusing to the titanium and making both the jaw and the implant stronger. However, the implant does not have ligament fibers like a normal tooth, so rather than the subtle movements afforded by regular teeth, implants do not move at all.

Implants Do Not Decay Like Normal Teeth, But…

While implants are not susceptible to the decay that often plagues natural teeth, there are still some routine maintenance procedures that you will want to take care to adhere to in order to avoid any potential problems that could arise. For example, the implant’s strength is dependent on a solid bond between the titanium and the bone, if anything disrupts this bond or it does not settle properly, you could encounter some issues. Additionally, you must keep your implant(s) clean just as you would normal teeth, not doing so means they will become more susceptible to bacterial infections.

Implants Can Still Fracture

While the root of the implant is constructed from titanium, the restoration is made from the same porcelain that is used in crowns, and if you have any crowns you know very well that they can indeed chip and/or fracture. To avoid a nasty situation like this, take care to watch the type of food that you eat, don’t bite your fingernails, and invest in a nightguard if you find that you grind your teeth or clench your jaw when you sleep.

Gum Disease Can Ruin Implants

If you have or are prone to gum disease, you will want to ensure that is taken care of before undergoing the implant procedure. Gum disease can attack the bone the implant is supposed to fuse with, which can lead to problems with stability that can eventually cause the implant to fail.

If you have any questions pertaining to implants or the procedure itself, be sure to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. They should be the best source for advice in your specific situation.