You probably know about today’s best option for replacing missing teeth; dental implants. A dental implant is a tiny screw-shaped metal post that sits in your jawbone and supports a lifelike dental crown. Natural teeth and implant-supported teeth have differences and similarities.
The main difference besides being born with one is the way they attach to your bone. Implants are made of a unique property of titanium, which will fuse to the bone, becoming part of it. When in fact, natural teeth are not part of the bone but are attached to them via a periodontal ligament.
Another difference is that natural teeth can decay while implant-supported teeth can’t. But that doesn’t mean you should forget about your hygiene plan, since oral hygiene is essential to maintain both teeth and implants.
About Dental Implant
Even though the entire structure is named a “dental implant”, this artificial tooth is made of 3 parts. The implant is a titanium post set into your jawbone where your root used to be, which is the only part implanted into your jaw.
The implant itself is the titanium post set into your jawbone. It is placed where your old root used to be. It’s called the implant because it is the only part that is implanted into your jaw, it is also the strongest part of the construction. An abutment will be attached to the implant when the crown is placed on top of that which is the visible part of the tooth. Bear in mind, that when a dental implant is mentioned, it means the titanium screw.
Advantages of Dental Implant
Often last for decades without needing to be replaced
Create a functional and aesthetically pleasing replacement for your missing tooth
Don't require surrounding teeth for support
Do not decay like natural teeth
Can be fixed or removable
Can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth
Disadvantages of Dental Implant (or why natural teeth are better)
Higher cost compared to traditional dentistry
It's a surgical procedure that requires a period of healing afterward
The fracturing of fixtures and loosening of screws can occur (only in about 5% of patients)
Since there is no cushion between the implant and the bone, the fracturing of crowns and bridges is more familiar with implants than with natural teeth, though rare.
Are Dental Implants Better than Natural Teeth?
The main thing you must remember is that in many cases, protecting your natural teeth is the best choice. But if your teeth have been broken or you face severe infections you may have no choice but to replace them. Regular brushing and cleaning can save you loads of money down the line. In such cases that you’re faced with significant tooth decay then a dental implant (the screw) will be stronger than a natural tooth. That’s because you can’t get cavities in dental implants.
Can You Break an Implant?
Just like a natural tooth, you can break an implant too. If enough force is applied you may break the implant, or bend the abutment (which connects the implant to the crown), just like a natural tooth. So you may need to replace your prosthesis down the line. You might also need to wear a night guard to prevent grinding in your sleep.
Your Jaw Bone Makes a Huge Difference
If you don’t have a healthy, sufficient jawbone, your surgeon can’t place the implant in your mouth. Even if they do, it’s far more likely to break. Also, your implant may fail as a result of the infection of the implant site or improper design. The most common causes of jawbone loss or deterioration include:
Periodontal disease
Trauma to the jaw
Tooth extractions
Congenitally missing teeth
Osteomyelitis (bacterial infection)
Sinus proximity
Sinus enlargement
Dentures and bridgework
Tumors on the bone
Osteoporosis
In many cases, people choose a dental implant to replace missing teeth. However, the loss of teeth can put you at a disadvantage since it impacts your jaw health.
How Strong Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are stronger than your real teeth. Although many factors go into play to determine how strong your dental implant is, your jawbone is the most important one. Titanium rarely if ever breaks. Titanium metal is stronger than a tooth. Implants can break but don’t break on their own. But if it doesn’t fuse to your jawbone correctly, it can cause enormous problems for you.
In which situations are implanted applications risky?
In people with diabetes or cardiovascular disease,
In young patients whose bones are not done growing,
In pregnant patients,
In patients addicted to alcohol or drugs,
In patients with high blood pressure, who are hemophiliacs, or who have chronic or inadequate immune systems,
In patients who excessively use cigarettes,
In patients who use corticosteroid suppressor medications.
Implant treatment can be administered to all individuals whose bones are finished growing, who have no chronic diseases, and who have adequate bone quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while dental implants offer a durable and functional replacement for missing teeth, they differ from natural teeth in several respects. Implants, typically made of titanium, integrate with the jawbone through osseointegration, providing a stable and long-lasting foundation for artificial crowns. However, unlike natural teeth, implants lack a periodontal ligament, which means they do not have the same shock-absorbing capabilities and may have a higher fracture rate. Natural teeth are inherently designed to withstand the pressures of chewing and are part of a complex system that includes nerves and blood vessels, allowing for sensations like temperature and pressure. Ultimately, while implants are an excellent solution for tooth loss, preserving natural teeth through good oral hygiene and regular dental care remains the best approach for oral health.
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