It begs the question, “Why do dental implants feel and perform more like natural teeth?”
Given the cost, durability, and time it takes to complete the procedure, dental implants are becoming a more optimal choice for those needing to address their dental concerns thanks to the implants’ natural feel and function of real teeth.
Although there are quick and cost-effective options like bridges and dentures, their quick fix to related issues comes with its own set of cons.
Dental implants, on the other hand, let a person regain the feel of real teeth that last decades depending on the model selected.
There’s a large investment that goes into getting dental implants—both financially and health-wise. And we’re sure you have some questions. So, let’s go over the most common ones.
1. How do dental implants mimic natural teeth?
Unless you’re feeling pain or discomfort, you don’t notice the teeth in your mouth. But after reading this sentence, you likely paid a bit more attention to how they feel and even the pressure felt when closing your mouth.
You can feel that pressure because of all the nerves hiding underneath where each tooth is cozily placed. Dental implants help continue that feeling because of their structure. The implants mimic the root-and-crown anatomy of your natural teeth.
Except instead of being made of our teeth’s natural enamel, dentin, and root cement, dental implants are made of a titanium post that’s embedded into the jawbone, an abutment, and a crown. Now, the titanium post is just the most common material used in dental implants. Down below, we go over a few other types of dental implants available.
But for the sake of example, the titanium post creates a direct connection between the implanted tooth and the jaw bone, the process is called osseointegration. By using the titanium post to create a strong and stable base on the jaw bone, normal activities like chewing and speaking stay… well, normal.
Seeing the words “titanium posts” and “jaw bone” in the same sentence seems much scarier than it actually is. But in reality, dental implants are no different than our teeth which are embedded into our jaws. For the dental implants to look and feel like real teeth, they need to be placed like real teeth.
2. Do dental implants ever fall out?
It depends. What’s causing them to fall out?
Studies show dental implants have over a 90% success rate. While the answer is yes, a dental implant can fall out, it’s very rare, and very likely something causing it to fall out. In fact, some of the causes that can lead to a dental implant falling out are quite similar to a normal tooth falling out:
● A dental implant can fall out due to a bacteria infection—similar to a real tooth getting cavities
● A dental implant can fall out due to physical trauma—similar to losing a tooth if hit in the face
● A dental implant can fall out due to loss of bone/gum—similar to a real tooth falling out due to gum disease
Surprisingly the process of caring for dental implants is the same as caring for real teeth: brushing twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash. The goal is to prevent bacterial infections around the implant site that can lead down to the bone.
As long as you follow your doctor’s instructions and maintain healthy oral hygiene, your dental implants can last years.
3. Will bone health or facial structure change with dental implants?
If you lost a tooth because of physical trauma to the mouth or tooth decay, it’s important you don’t leave the space, your tooth once occupied, empty.
Besides grinding food to a consistency we’re able to swallow and digest in our stomachs, teeth play a crucial part in our jawbone’s health.
Our teeth are directly connected to our jawbone and therefore stimulate its tissue. As we use our teeth to chew and bite, that force travels down to the jawbone. Every time our jawbone receives this force from each tooth, we basically tell our body that we still need the bone there because the tooth right above it is still being used. So, the body continues to regenerate the bone tissue.
When you lose a tooth, the jawbone stops getting stimulated and this can cause your body to stop generating new bone tissue—hence beginning the bone deterioration process.
So what causes changes in your facial structure is the health of your jawbone. Over time, bone loss affects the shape of your face, leading to a sunken or aged appearance. Which is why some individuals experience this when they replace a tooth, or a few teeth, with dentures and bridges. Because dentures and bridges don’t go deeper than the gum line, they don’t stimulate the jawbone.
Because implants are structures below the gumline and reach the bone, they continue to stimulate the jawbone—as your tooth did—and keep on telling the body to regenerate bone tissue every time you chew.
How long do dental implants last? And how much do they cost?
The FDA states dental implants can be made of the following materials:
● titanium
● zirconium oxide (also known as zirconia implants)
● gold alloys
● cobalt-based alloys
● titanium alloys
● ceramic materials
Given the different materials you can choose from, the cost and how long they last can vary. Looking at the most commonly used materials for implants, titanium, and zirconia will last you 15 years or longer.
Between titanium and zirconia implants, titanium is the most popular choice since they cost a bit less. You can expect to pay anywhere between $900 – $3,000 (yes, that’s a wide range) per titanium dental implant. And because titanium is metal, it tends to last more towards the 20+ years on the longevity scale.
For those that are allergic or sensitive to metal, or would prefer something more natural in color, zirconia becomes the optimal choice. Zirconia is a type of ceramic—the crystalline form of zirconium dioxide—so it doesn’t contain metallic ions like titanium does. Titanium is still safe; some people just may prefer a non-metallic choice or have sensitivities to metal. And because of its natural element, its ability to withstand pressure makes it more difficult to crack.
Now, zirconia implants come with a cost. You can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 – $5,000 or more per tooth.
Have more questions on dental implants?
It’s good that you’re doing your research. Dental implants are an important and serious choice. It includes understanding which material is best for you (both health-wise and financially) and undergoing surgical procedures, possibly more than once. Asking questions will open the doors to further understanding the process of getting dental implants as well as truly understanding the benefits that come with them versus getting dentures or bridges.
Now because it’s likely that you’re thinking of questions that blog writers haven’t thought of yet, we welcome you to write your questions down and give us a call.
Dental Care for a Healthy Mouth and Bright Smile
If any of our questions sparked more curiosity on whether or not you should get dental implants, you can reach out to Sedki Dentistry, our Commerce Twp dental office to set up a Free Consultation.
Dr Sedki has more than 20 years of experience in all areas of dentistry including cosmetic dentistry, dental treatments, gum rejuvenation and more!
With a professional dental staff that is compassionate and committed to a healthy smile for life, you will receive customized dental care to promote and achieve optimal dental health!