One of the benefits of modern dentistry is that experienced dentists have the ability to make even false teeth look real. But do dental implants look real? In this article, we’ll explore this question and more.
Keep reading!
What are dental implants?
Before we go over if dental implants look real, let’s review what dental implants actually are. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically implanted into your jawbone to restore missing teeth. Dental implants consist of three parts:
- Implant post: This serves as the artificial root and is placed in the jawbone.
- Abutment: The connecting post between the implant and the crown.
- Restoration: The artificial tooth that rests on top of the abutment. This is often a dental crown, implant bridge, or implant denture.
Do dental implants look real?
Dental implants can look incredibly real, closely resembling natural teeth in both appearance and function. While the implant post is typically made of titanium, it is hidden under the restoration (often a porcelain crown) which mimics the translucency and color of natural teeth. They are also custom made to match your smile. Most patients end up being happy with the results of their dental implant, with one study finding that 94% of respondents were happy with the look of their implant.
(a) Zirconia abutment (b) Supraginvival implant crown with excellent results. (Image courtesy of Dr. Ruiz’s book, Supra-Gingival Minimally Invasive Dentistry: A Healthier Approach to Esthetic Restorations, published by Wiley-Blackwell)
One thing to think about is that the experience of your dentist can have an effect on how natural your dental implants turn out, as an experienced dentist can make it very difficult to tell the difference between your natural teeth and your implant, while a less-experienced dentist may not have the skill to deliver that same quality.
Do dental implants feel real?
If you were to touch the implant with your finger or tongue, it will feel similar to a natural tooth. However, you will not have any feeling in the implant. This is because when an implant replaces a missing tooth, it lacks internal sensations. This is unlike natural teeth, which have nerves sensitive to temperature and pressure. Any feeling you experience around your dental implant comes from the surrounding tissues. However, most people get used to this change in sensation fairly quickly and they function the same as regular teeth.
Are dental implants as strong as natural teeth?
While we’re on the topic of dental implants compared to natural teeth, let’s discuss if dental implants are as strong as natural teeth. In fact, they generally are. One of the reasons for this is because the implant fuses with your jawbone and is a secure foundation for the restoration. However, that doesn’t mean that having a dental implant is as good as or better than having your natural tooth. Implants should replace missing teeth, not replace teeth.
Do dental implants affect the way you talk?
Dental implants do not typically impact your speech and allow you to speak as you always have and eat whatever you like. However, you may need a few days of adjusting to your implant to get used to the change.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
There are numerous benefits to getting a dental implant if you have a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. This includes:
- Durability: Dental implants typically last longer than other treatments for missing teeth, and have a 97% success rate for 10 years.
- Keeps adjacent teeth stable: When you lose a tooth, surrounding teeth begin to drift toward the whole and cause problems. An implant can prevent this issue and protect the health of these adjacent teeth.
- Improves the appearance of your face: Some people experience facial changes from tooth loss, especially if they are missing many teeth. This includes sagging skin, collapsed cheeks, and a sunken appearance. Getting a dental implant can help prevent these unwanted changes.
- Improves the appearance of your smile: Even one missing tooth that is noticeable when you smile can make someone self-conscious. Dental implants can help you improve the appearance of your smile and make you feel more confident.
Who needs dental implants?
People who are missing one or several teeth are typically candidates for a dental implant. In general, an ideal candidate for dental implants:
- Has good oral health (and overall health).
- Has a fully grown jawbone.
- Has enough bone in their jaw to hold the implant.
- Has healthy gums, doesn’t smoke.
- Doesn’t have any underlying health issues that may affect your body’s ability to heal bone.
Even if you find out that you’re not a good candidate for dental implants after a consultation with your dentist, there may be strategies that can be implemented to help improve your oral health to get you ready for dental implant surgery.
Visit Dr. Ruiz & Associates, Inc for dental implants in Burbank
Exploring your options when you have a missing tooth or missing teeth can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to choose an experienced dentist! So if you’re looking for a dentist office where you can get dental implants in Burbank, CA, come visit Dr. Ruiz & Associates, Inc!
Dr. Ruiz is a renowned dentist, educator, and researcher who is known as a pioneer in supra-gingival minimally invasive dentistry, or “above the gums dentistry.” This is a healthier form of dentistry that protects soft oral tissues and produces long-lasting, beautiful results. And all of our staff are trained in these techniques. Check out our Google reviews and schedule an appointment with us today!
