And Other Questions About Restorative Dentistry
In most cases, your teeth are incredibly strong, but over time, general wear and tear, gum disease and cavities weaken the teeth and their structure. This can lead to badly damaged or even missing teeth. For restorative dentistry procedures, dentists agree that dental implants are stronger than our natural teeth. They also look and feel completely natural, and a good dentist will ensure they fit perfectly.
When your own teeth are starting to show signs of wear and tear, or are missing, dental implants are the next best thing.
We asked Dr. Harrison from Millennium Dental in Plano, Texas, to tell us how strong dental implants are compared to natural teeth.
1. Dental implants are made to last.
Our own teeth were built to last, but bad oral care, stress, and diets overloaded with sugary food and drinks mean this isn’t always the case. More than ever, people of all ages are becoming susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease, resulting in decayed or missing teeth.
Dental implants are used to restore a person’s smile, replacing missing teeth and preventing further damage down the line. The implant has a post which acts like the tooth’s root, and there is an abutment (connecting piece) as well as the dental crown or false tooth.
The screw-in post and connector piece are made of titanium, which is one of the most durable metals around. Also, it doesn’t rust, and it is biocompatible, which means there is very little chance of it being rejected by the human body.
After the dental implant has been put in, the jawbone heals around the post, making it as strong, if not stronger than natural teeth.
2. They do not decay.
Natural teeth, unlike implants, can get cavities, decay and even fall out. Titanium implants don’t, which is why dentists often recommend them as a way of restoring your smile and repairing damaged teeth.
But be warned, implants can become infected if you don’t keep them bacteria-free. Even with your superhuman new teeth, you still need to brush, floss, rinse with mouthwash, and visit your dentist regularly.
3. It is almost impossible to crack or break an implant.
We say “almost” because while the post and abutment pieces are indestructible, the crowns can break like your own teeth. And just like natural teeth, crowns can be worn down as a result of continual teeth grinding or bruxism, general wear and tear, biting your nails or chewing on ice.
Simply put, part of your dental implant is much stronger than your own teeth, but the porcelain crown, not so much. It can break and chip, get worn down, and even fall out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restorative Dentistry
As a proud member of the American Association of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Harrison does many restorative procedures every year, from dental implants and crowns to bridges and dentures. Part of her service includes answering a lot of questions about the different processes.
Here are the most frequently asked questions she gets from her patients.
What type of restorative dentistry procedures are available?
With all the advancements in dentistry in the last 10 years or so, there are procedures available to restore your smile, fix chipped or broken teeth, and even replace missing ones.
You can choose dental implants, bridges as well as partial or full dentures. Dr. Harrison does a thorough examination and asks questions related to your dental health and overall well-being. After careful assessment, she will recommend which procedure is the best one for you.
Instead of complicated restorative procedures, isn’t it better to just pull decayed or damaged teeth?
While this might have been an option a couple of years back, pulling a decayed or damaged tooth will be the last resort. Restorative dentistry will help you keep your own healthy teeth while repairing or replacing those that have been damaged by tooth decay or gum disease.
How much do dental implants cost? And what happens if I can’t afford the treatment?
There is no getting around the fact that dental implants, like other restorative procedures, can be costly. But it is important to remember that you are investing in both your dental and overall health.
Millennium Dental offers popular payment methods such as Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. There are also affordable financing options available through CareCredit.
Book your appointment with Dr. Harrison today to get the smile you have always wanted.
Hace .enos de 2 años me colocaron implantes dentales,
8 meses después se me astillo un diente y lo repararon ahora se me quebraron 3 dientes,he cuidado mucho la higiene de mis implantes,no como carne ni he expuesto mis dientes tes a ningun maltrato,estoy muy decepcionada pague muchísimo dinero por toda la paste de arriba de mi boca .e pusieron 5 pines y la.protesis va montada en ellos,le.pedi al.mismo dr cita y no se que me va a decir,por favor aconsejen e que puedo hacer ,no voy a pagar nuevamente esa cantidad de dinero.
Translate to English please Thank you. I apologize I only speak Chamorru or English.