Natural Teeth Versus Dental Implants: Which Is Stronger?

For those with missing teeth, dental implants can be a great way to once again have a full and beautiful smile. While teeth are naturally incredibly strong, wear and tear, gum disease, and tooth decay will weaken their structure over time which can cause them to eventually fall out. They might also become lost due to other things like facial trauma. When your teeth go missing, dentists agree that dental implants are the next best thing. In addition to looking and feeling completely normal, they are actually stronger than natural teeth. Read on to find out more about the benefits of dental implants.

Dental Implants Are Long-Lasting

Dental implants can last for decades under optimal circumstances, or potentially even a lifetime. They begin with a titanium post placed in the jawbone beneath the gumline. This alloy does not rust and is extremely unlikely to be rejected by the body. An artificial tooth usually made of porcelain is secured to this structure above the gumline. As the jawbone around the post heals, it assimilates the new structure into itself in a process called osseointegration. This results in a bond as strong as or stronger than that of natural teeth.

Dental Implants Do Not Suffer from Tooth Decay

Bacteria living in the human mouth produce acid as a metabolic byproduct. This acid can cause tooth decay by eroding enamel over time. Titanium and porcelain are both unaffected by this acid, making dental implants immune to this process. However, this does not mean that they do not need hygiene and care. If they are not kept clean, they can become infected, so they still require brushing, flossing, and mouthwash.

It Is Nearly Impossible to Crack or Break Some Parts of a Dental Implant

While the titanium components of dental implants are virtually indestructible, the porcelain crown is still vulnerable to wear, tear, and trauma. This means that teeth grinding, chewing ice, and using teeth for non-chewing purposes are still off-limits. If abused, the crown can break, chip, crack, wear down, or fall out. Tobacco habits like smoking or chewing can also lead to the failure of dental implants by destroying the tissue supporting them.

Dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss that looks and functions just like real teeth. Even though implants are immune to some hazards, they still require proper care to stay healthy and avoid rejection from the body. If you take care of them, they can be expected to provide you with a beautiful and complete smile for a lifetime.

About the Practice

Springhetti Dentistry brings the best dental care available to the community of Carmel, IN. Led by Drs. Aaron Springhetti and Jenna Oberley, the staff provides individually tailored treatments to keep patients smiling for years to come. Services include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry in addition to dental implants. For more information, contact the office online or by phone at (317) 875-7645.