Tooth loss is incredibly common, and it can happen for any number of reasons, including facial trauma, oral disease, or simply dental neglect. Regardless of why you lose your natural teeth, seeking a viable, long-term replacement is critical. Dental implants represent the gold standard for tooth replacement, and not only can they restore you to a healthy smile, but they also help you avoid further bone degradation. And, when properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Even with these advantages, dental implants are not quite the same as natural teeth. As such, it is reasonable to wonder exactly how they compare. Specifically, are dental implants as strong as natural teeth?
How Strong Are Dental Implants?
While the specifics can vary from patient to patient and implant to implant, implants are generally said to have between 80 and 90 percent of the strength you would have in your natural teeth. This means a strong, firm bite and little or no cause for lifestyle adjustments. With dental implants, you can generally continue enjoying all of your favorite foods, without having to make any significant dietary changes.
What Makes Dental Implants So Strong?
There are a number of reasons why dental implants are so strong, especially when compared with other tooth-replacement methods, such as dentures.
One reason is that dental implants fuse to your jawbone, creating a bond that is very similar to your natural tooth root. Additionally, dental implants are made from strong materials. The implant itself is a small titanium screw, while the abutment (a connective piece that allows your dentist to attach the implant to a prosthetic tooth) may also be made of titanium or a similarly strong metal.
This combination of durable materials and a tight, secure connection ensures that dental implants provide almost the same strength you would experience from your naturally growing teeth.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The strength of dental implants allows you to enjoy your favorite foods without the risk of your teeth slipping out of place. The other benefit is that, for most patients, dental implants last a lifetime. The titanium used to make dental implants is rust-free and biocompatible, meaning there is very little risk that your body will reject your implants.
There is even a sense in which dental implants are stronger than natural teeth. While your natural teeth can eventually become diseased or decayed, your implants will not get cavities or fall out. While they can become infected if you do not exercise proper oral hygiene, some basic dental maintenance should ensure that your implants last you the rest of your life.
Find Out More About the Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants represent one of the most advantageous options for tooth replacement, providing a chance to enjoy a fully functional smile that will last indefinitely. To learn more about the benefits of dental implants or ask about your eligibility for this treatment, we invite you to learn more about dental implants from Bay Area Oral Surgery in Mobile, AL.
