How Does An Implant Compare to a Real Tooth? Dental implants are constructed to mimic the anatomical structure, function, look, and feel of a real tooth. They consist of replacement tooth roots and crowns. With proper fitting and post-surgery care, your replacement tooth or dental implant functions, feels, and looks like just a natural tooth. Here at Rai Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we shed some light on dental implants and real teeth. Knowing how these compare can help you make an informed decision when seeking replacement teeth from our dental office. We place quality single and multiple-tooth implants that are not only permanent but also offer a natural-looking smile. Components of a Dental ImplantTooth implants mainly feature three components. First, there is the implant post that acts as the root that settles in the jawbone socket. Then, there is the crown, which is the visible part of the tooth. The crown is connected with an abutment or connector piece. All of these elements work together to give the dental implant its functionality and natural look. The crown is fabricated with a tooth-colored porcelain material. The root part of the implant is fabricated from a strong metal, normally titanium or zirconia, which is readily biocompatible with the jawbone. Dental Implants vs Real TeethThere are various elements that we need to look into when discussing how implants compare to real teeth. These include strength, stability, structure, look, durability, and longevity. StrengthDental implants are very strong. From the roots made of metal to the crowns constructed of porcelain or zirconia, these restorations are very strong. In fact, porcelain crowns can withstand the same chewing and biting force as real teeth. Better still, the zirconia crowns are considered even stronger than real teeth. StabilityA tooth is anchored into the socket by its roots, which connect to the crown or visible part of the tooth. As such, teeth are very stable since they form one piece. There are ligaments and tendons holding the roots to the socket. Similarly, a dental implant comprises the implant post that fuses and bonds with the jawbone, thus maintaining the same stability as the real tooth. LongevityWith proper care, your natural teeth are created to serve you for life. Likewise, your dental implants, with proper care, can also last a lifetime. Dental implants have been reported to last over three decades, and some patients have lived with them for the entirety of their lives. Further, just like the crown of a real tooth suffers defects or damages such as cracks, fractures, cavities, or breaks, the crown of the replacement tooth also faces similar issues over time. Made of porcelain material, crowns for replacement teeth can wear out, get chipped, or break from trauma, repetitive use, or other mechanical actions. As such, they must be repaired or replaced altogether when they develop these problems. The same happens to crowns of real teeth, which can be filled, crowned, or restored, such as with inlays and onlays, to rebuild and return the teeth to their natural function and look. If you have missing teeth and need to get them replaced, come see us at Rai Oral Surgery & Dental Implants to discuss your options. Based on your situation, we can provide a single tooth implant if you lost one tooth or a multiple-tooth implant if several teeth are missing. Contact us at (757) 777-9883 to schedule an appointment. |
