Any patient considering dental implants is likely to weigh the pros and cons of such a procedure before committing to it, and for many patients, learning about the strength of implants may help in the decision-making process. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, but are they as strong as natural teeth?

The strength of titanium 

An implant consists of a titanium post and a tooth crown. The post, which is inserted into the jaw bone, acts as a replacement for the tooth root while the tooth crown (or bridge) replaces the missing tooth. Titanium is one of the strongest metals on the planet, and implant posts are marketed as “fracture resistant”; in this sense, an implant could be considered stronger than a natural tooth.

Considering the crown 

The crown or bridge, which is commonly made of ceramic, can be chipped just like a natural tooth. However, this can be avoided by using teeth just for eating – never for prying or chewing non-food items.

Factoring in decay 

Unfortunately, any natural tooth is susceptible to decay. Bacteria and strong acids in the mouth can wreak havoc on teeth, causing decay, cavities, and pain. Problems can escalate when the decay affects the root of the tooth. Simply put, teeth weakened by decay are not strong. Implants, on the other hand, are not susceptible to damage from bacteria and decay. In this sense, an implant is stronger because it can stand up to oral bacteria.

Jaw and bone health 

Dental implants also help keep the entire mouth strong by maintaining bone health; when a tooth is lost, bone begins to deteriorate. However, the dental implant and its artificial root helps to stabilize the other teeth by preventing shifting. A stable mouth is a stronger mouth.

It’s safe to say that dental implants are as strong as natural teeth – perhaps even stronger. For more information on dental implants, contact the team at New You Dental Center today.