New to Dental Implants? Know How They Compare to Real Teeth

Posted on: 19 March 2019

Dental implants have come a long way over the years. It is entirely possible to replace a missing tooth in a way that looks completely natural to others while still giving the tooth all of the strength it needs to chew your favorite foods. If you're on the fence about getting a dental implant, it helps to know how they compare to real teeth.

A Dental Implant Won't Ever Decay

The natural teeth in your mouth are susceptible to decay, especially if you have not been brushing adequately over the years. Spots can be missed that lead to cavities, and if left untreated, will cause significant dental problems. When you have a dental implant, know that the artificial tooth will never decay. The tooth itself is essentially a dental crown made of porcelain, and it will not be affected by bacteria.

A Dental Implant Still Requires Regular Brushing

The tooth used in a dental implant may be artificial, but it still needs care when it comes to brushing. What you need to be concerned about is a gum infection in the area of the dental implant, which can cause complications with potential bone loss and the implant's overall stability. Brush the implant just like you would a natural tooth, with overlapping brush strokes that get bacteria out from your gums.

A Dental Implant Simulates a Natural Tooth's Root

There are alternative procedures to fix a missing tooth, but they do not provide the same benefits that a dental implant does. Dental bridges only suspend a tooth in the gap, but the fake tooth rests on the gums. A partial denture can be removed and offers no root stimulation. A dental implant fuses with the jawbone, giving it plenty of stimulation with everyday use.

The reason that this is important is that your jawbone remains healthy due to stimulation. Without that stimulation, the bone can deteriorate over time. Once the implant fuses with the jawbone, it simulates the same stimulation that you once had with your natural tooth, which helps improve your oral health more than competing dental procedures.

Still not sure if you should get a dental implant? It's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist for more information. They can let you know of any potential problems that could prevent you from getting dental implants, and if you're in the clear, walk you through the process of getting implants.

Contact a business like Tijeras Dental Service for more information about dental implants.

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