You might have heard it said that bones are the hardest structures in the human body. That actually is not true! In fact, tooth enamel holds that honor. It is remarkably hard and durable. As impressive as it is, though, it is certainly not invincible. Indeed, it can become so badly damaged that a tooth is no longer viable and needs to be replaced by a dental implant. So, just how do dental implants compare to natural teeth? Which one is stronger? This blog post shares a fascinating comparison.
Dental Implants Provide a Firm Bite
A primary function of teeth, whether they are natural or artificial, is to help you chew food! Healthy natural teeth can allow you to dig into virtually any dish with confidence, whether you are snacking on an apple or enjoying a juicy steak.
Dental implants are also impressively strong. However, they do not quite measure up to their natural counterparts. In fact, in a best-case scenario, implant dentures offer a bite force that reaches approximately 80 percent to 90 percent of what is normal with natural teeth. Keep in mind, though, that is still vastly superior to traditional dentures, which may restore only 25 percent of your original bite force.
Dental Implants Do Not Decay
One clear advantage that dental implants possess over natural teeth is their resistance to decay. Cavities will never develop in implants, eliminating a significant concern that affects natural teeth.
However, oral hygiene remains essential, since plaque and bacteria can still cause irritation in the tissue surrounding dental implants. This irritation may lead to a serious infection that could result in dental implant failure.
Dental Implants Are Constructed from Durable Materials
Most dental implants are made of a titanium alloy, which is highly compatible with the human body and remarkably resistant to damage. It is extremely uncommon for titanium dental implants to break or crack. The restorations attached to dental implants, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures, are also highly durable. Often, these restorations are made of porcelain, a material that is even harder than natural tooth enamel.
Are Dental Implants Superior to Natural Teeth?
Although dental implants exhibit greater strength than natural teeth in a few respects, that does not make them superior. In fact, any responsible dentist will make every reasonable effort to help you keep your natural dentition. That is because real teeth have a lower risk of infection, and keeping them can allow you to avoid the minor risks inherent in surgical procedures.
Dental implants are a great option if you lose your natural teeth, but they are not better than your real dentition!
Meet the Practice
Piney Point Dental Implant Center features three highly skilled oral surgeons who demonstrate meticulous attention to detail during dental implant procedures. If you wish to learn more about your tooth replacement options or believe that some of your natural teeth may need to be removed, our team stands ready to assist you. Contact our Houston office at 713-597-7340 for additional information or to request an appointment.