When it comes to strength, many people assume bones are the hardest structures in the human body. Surprisingly, the title goes to tooth enamel. It’s designed to endure decades of chewing a wide variety of foods. But despite its resilience, enamel isn’t invincible. Teeth that are severely damaged need to be removed, and in such cases, dental implants often come to the rescue. Read on to learn if these artificial replacements compare to natural teeth in strength.
Dental Implants and Bite Force
Biting into a crisp apple or enjoying a juicy steak requires significant bite strength. Dental implants allow for this because they can restore 80–90% of the bite force you had with natural teeth.
This remarkable capability is due to the implants’ design. Acting as prosthetic tooth roots, dental implants bond with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Once the bond is established, implants provide a stable foundation, ensuring a strong and functional bite for years to come.
Dental Implants and Decay
A clear benefit of dental implants is that they cannot decay. This means you’ll never need a filling or worry about cavities! Of course, good oral hygiene is still essential.
Plaque and bacteria can irritate the gums, causing infections like peri-implantitis, which could compromise the success of your implants. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups remain critical to protecting your gums and maintaining your overall oral health.
Dental Implants and Durable Materials
Dental implants are crafted from titanium, a material chosen for its exceptional strength and biocompatibility. Titanium is not only resistant to damage but also rarely cracks or breaks, even after years of use.
The restorations that attach to implants (i.e., crowns, bridges, or dentures) are typically made of porcelain or similar materials. Porcelain is even harder than natural tooth enamel, making it an excellent choice for long-lasting, lifelike replacements.
Dental Implants vs. Natural Teeth
While dental implants excel in certain areas, such as resistance to decay and material strength, they are not inherently “better” than natural teeth. A skilled dentist will always prioritize preserving your natural teeth whenever possible because there’s nothing quite like the real thing.
That said, if you do lose teeth, dental implants are an outstanding solution! Their purpose is to restore what was lost – not to replace healthy teeth unnecessarily. With proper care, both your natural teeth and dental implants can serve you well for many years.
About the Practice
Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, & Implant Surgery has been proudly serving patients and families in Alexandria and the surrounding communities for many years. Our team offers a comprehensive range of oral surgery services, including dental implants. If you have questions about their durability, feel free to schedule a consultation. You can book an appointment online or call (571) 998-0044.