Dental implants are the name of the game when it comes to replacing lost teeth. Consisting of durable titanium posts coupled with lifelike replacement teeth, this solution is capable of restoring lost oral functionality and boosting the aesthetics of one’s smile. But in case you’ve forgotten, your enamel is technically the hardest substance in your body—so can dental implants compete with the durability and resilience of your original teeth? Here’s more about this innovative tooth restoration solution and how they’re able to perfectly replace your natural pearly whites—while granting you access to numerous unique benefits!
The Anatomy of a Natural Tooth
The anatomy of a natural tooth is relatively simple and can be categorized into four main layers:
- Enamel – The protective outer layer of the tooth, which helps to shield it from cavity-causing bacteria.
- Dentin – Just underneath the enamel is the dentin; it’s not as strong as the enamel, and when exposed, your risk of cavities increases.
- Cementum – This covers your tooth root, and along with the periodontal tissues, it helps to anchor your tooth firmly in place.
- Tooth pulp – The innermost layer of the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. It’s quite sensitive and vulnerable when exposed.
These layers form the two main structures of the tooth, commonly referred to as the crown (chewing surface) and root. The crown is what grants you the ability to bite and chew food, while the root secures the tooth to your periodontal ligament, the soft connective tissue that lines each tooth socket.
The Structure of a Dental Implant
Dental implants consist of three main parts: the titanium post that’s surgically embedded into the patient’s jawbone, the abutment piece that’s placed on top of this post, and the dental restoration (often a crown) that’s attached to the top of the abutment. The titanium implant post is biocompatible, meaning it can safely fuse with a patient’s jawbone and serve as a replacement tooth root. The restoration affixed to the top of the implant is meant to replicate the lost tooth in terms of look, feel, and functionality.
Since the implant post is directly placed into the jawbone, the foundation it provides is remarkably sturdy. This is why dental implants are able to effectively act as a lifelong solution for tooth loss. Dental implants can be used to replace one, two, or an entire row of missing teeth—regardless of how many are placed, their functionality doesn’t change.
Are Dental Implants Better Than My Natural Teeth?
It goes without saying that nobody, under any circumstances, should ever want to lose their natural teeth; they’re far and away the best tools at our disposal for biting, chewing, speaking, and so on. However, when you opt to replace missing teeth with dental implants, you’re unlocking access to several unique benefits that other tooth replacement solutions simply cannot offer, such as:
- They’re unlikely to become fractured and they’re notably resistant to decay and staining.
- They promote jawbone stability by ensuring that bone matter doesn’t begin to deteriorate, thereby also improving facial support.
- They restore bite functionality and natural chewing power, meaning that patients have access to virtually all types of foods.
About the Practice
The team at United Dental Centers of Hammond has proudly served the dental needs of the Hammond, IN area for several years! The practice is excited to offer a wide variety of treatment options, including innovative tooth replacement solutions like dental implants. If you have any questions about dental implants or you’d like to arrange a consultation to see if you can benefit from this incredible treatment option, feel free to visit the practice’s website or give them a call for further assistance. Telephone: (219) 933-4900.