Are Dental Implants as Good as Natural Teeth?

For so many people, it’s hard to willingly give up on natural teeth, even when those teeth have decayed past the point of still being viable. And while dental implants have risen to prominence and acclaim, verging on becoming a household name, there are a lot of people who still don’t know enough about them.

In most cases, dental implants are just as good as natural teeth. And when the teeth are decayed down to the root, dental implants aren’t merely as good as the natural teeth they’ll replace – they’re better.

First, a Look at How Dental Implants Work

Tiny posts made of titanium are inserted into the patient’s jaw, packed down with natural or artificial bone dust, and then left to heal. After the implant has healed, the dental prostheses will be attached. The prostheses may be a single crown, a bridge, partial dentures, a full arch of dentures or a full denture set including both the top and bottom arches.

The dental implant provides a firm foundation for the prostheses. And because it’s anchored to the jawbone, just like natural teeth, implant-supported prostheses will feel extremely close to the real thing. However, there are a few notable differences between dental implants and natural teeth.

Differences between Implants and Natural Teeth

• Gum and jawbone support – While your jawbone and gums will accept dental implants, the connective tissue supporting the implant establishes a weaker bond than with natural teeth. Home dental hygiene and dental office cleaning may be needed more frequently to protect the gum and root at the implant site.
• Cavities – dental implants aren’t susceptible to cavities, though good dental hygiene is required to avoid developing gum disease that will threaten the foundation of the implant.
• Allergies – Some people may be allergic to the metals used in the dental implant. Commonly used metals include titanium and titanium alloys.

Similarities Between Natural Teeth and Dental Implants

• Rooted – Both implants and natural teeth take root in the jawbone and are supported by the gums.
• Durability – Because they’re both supported by the jawbone and gums, both dental implants and natural teeth are highly durable and reliable.
• Appearance – crowns or dentures attached to dental implants are fabricated based on scans of natural teeth. Your protheses will look almost indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Get an Even Better Idea
Learn more about getting dental implants in Walnut Creek CA. Click here to schedule an appointment to talk to a local dentist and find out if dental implants are right for you, how they will improve your life, specifically, and what your next steps should be.