Dental Implant Compared to Tooth
Syracuse, NY
 Dental implants have become a popular teeth restoration option because they look, feel, and function like natural teeth. By replacing your missing or decayed teeth with single implants or multiple tooth implants, you can regain your ability to bite, speak, smile, and chew properly. With proper care, dental implants are as durable as natural teeth. Contact us at Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS for more information on dental implants and other teeth replacement options.
What Differentiates Dental Implants from Natural Teeth?
Dental implants have three components: a ceramic crown, implant post, and abutment. The post serves as the tooth root. The abutment’s function is to attach the crown to the post. The crown is the visible component of the replacement tooth. After surgery, the implant will fuse with the jawbone around it. The implant is even stronger than your natural teeth because it's firmly attached to the bone.
Unlike natural teeth, implants aren’t prone to decay. With natural teeth, bacteria can attack your tooth enamel, causing decay or cavities over time. This situation can worsen if left untreated, and lead to you losing teeth. Conversely, implants are made from titanium and ceramic and thus can't decay due to bacteria. In this regard, implants can be considered more solid compared to natural teeth.
For both bridges and implants to last, they require great oral hygiene practices. However, implants are easier to clean. You just floss and brush as you would natural teeth. Conversely, dental bridges can make it difficult for you to floss, making maintenance more complicated. Bridges will then need to be replaced about every five years.
Dental implants are attached to your jawbone and can withstand pressure like your natural teeth. If you take good care of them, implants can last a lifetime. On the other hand, dental bridges are attached to your natural teeth and shift pressure to your healthy teeth. They also don't stop bone loss because they aren't embedded in the jawbone and don't provide any stimulation. When it comes to appearance, both tooth implants and bridges are discrete. However, implants are more secure because they are surgically placed below the gum. Conversely, dental bridges remain on top of your gums and are more noticeable.
Dentures are removable replacement teeth. There are two kinds of dentures: full and partial. Full dentures are set on top of your gums if all of your teeth are missing. Partial dentures are attached to natural teeth. With dentures, it may take you a while to talk and eat as normal. Dentures can also fall out or shift around because they are removable. This can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Also, with dentures, you may have to restrict your diet and avoid chewy or hard foods. Implants, on the other hand, look and function like your natural teeth. Besides, they are permanent, unlike dentures.
One of the key long-term benefits of implants is that they help preserve bone structure. The implant post serves as the tooth’s root and fuses with your jawbone. This prevents bone resorption which occurs when the jawbone isn’t being stimulated by the tooth's roots. At Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS we will serve all of your dental care needs. Call us today at (315) 800-5020 for more information on teeth replacement. |
