Do Dental Implants Really Function Like Natural Teeth?

A dental implant is a titanium screw that is placed inside the jawbone to support an artificial tooth. The structure and function of a dental implant are unlike any other dental treatment that helps replace missing teeth.

In this blog, Dr. Justin Le (DDS) at El Paseo Dental Care in San Jose and Hayward, California, shares details on dental implants and how they function just like natural teeth.

Structure of an Implant

The crown and the root are the two parts of a natural tooth. Similarly, the implant consists of an artificial crown and root in the form of a screw. Other tooth replacement options only have the crown portion. Unlike removable and fixed dentures, implants have a strong foundation in the jawbone. 

Dental implants are similar to natural teeth in the following ways:

• Aesthetics

The appearance of an implant crown is similar to that of a natural tooth. It lies in harmony with the perioral facial features and the surrounding dentition. Hence, it blends with your natural smile perfectly. 

• Easy to Maintain

Implants do not require extra maintenance and care like dentures that have to be soaked and cleaned daily with cleansing tablets. Also, it does not require messy adhesives for retention, special cleaning agents, and brushes. You can just brush and floss them like you do your natural teeth. 

• Protect the Jawbone

Tooth loss leads to bone loss. This can be prevented by replacing the lost tooth. However, removable denture wearers may experience bone resorption in the long run. Implants, on the other hand, stimulate and support the bone just like natural teeth. 

• Permanent Solution

Implants do not require rebasing or relining like removable dentures and do not alter the adjacent teeth like dentures or bridges. The screw fuses with the jawbone just like the roots of your natural teeth. As long as your jawbone is healthy, implants can last for a lifetime with good care and regular dental checkups.

• Confidence Booster

Ill-fitted dentures may slip out and make it difficult to eat and chew properly as well as speak or pronounce certain sounds. 

With dental implants, you can laugh, speak with confidence, and eat your favorite dishes without any worries. In addition, they also eliminate the inconvenience of removable dentures.

If you are considering dental implants, schedule an appointment at El Paseo Dental Care by calling (408) 370-0101 or (510) 750-1654. You can also visit our offices in San Jose and Hayward, California, to learn more about dental implants.