06 Oct Dental Implants: Will I be able to chew with the same force I use with my natural teeth?
When patients need to replace teeth lost to oral disease or injury, they are often concerned with how the restoration will affect their diet. After all, no one is keen on sacrificing their favorite foods if it can be avoided.
Fortunately, dental implants offer these patients a solution that approximates the chewing capacity of the biological teeth that are being replaced. Patients who want to avoid dietary restrictions should consult with an oral surgeon to learn more about this treatment option.
How Dental Implants Preserve Chewing Function
Dental implants are uniquely capable of chewing effectively because they are so structurally similar to biological teeth. In fact, dental implants replace both the root and the crown of missing teeth, while standard prosthetics, like bridges or dentures, only replace the crown.
The portion of the tooth underneath the surface is tremendously important to your ability to chew. After the oral surgeon places the dental implant at the site of the absent tooth, the implant is slowly osseointegrated, eventually becoming a fixture in the jaw.
The bond that forms between the bone and the implant’s titanium surface is so strong that it can tolerate significant chewing forces needed to process fibrous foods, such as healthy – and crunchy – raw fresh fruits and vegetables.
Elimination Of Dietary Restrictions Is Just One Benefit of Dental Implants
When an oral surgeon places a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, enhanced chewing function is just one of the advantages that the restoration has over a conventional prosthetic. In comparison to their counterparts, structurally complete dental implants also offer more:
- Longevity – Dental implants can last for decades when patients care for them properly.
- Security – Dental implants are most effective for holding prosthetic crowns (especially of the denture variety) in place.
- Comfort – Dental implants feel more like biological teeth.
- Convenience – Dental implants require minimal care beyond general good oral hygiene practices.
Yes, dental implants can approximate the chewing function of your biological teeth, allowing you to enjoy the vast majority, if not all, of your favorite foods. Visit Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates for an evaluation to see if you might be a good candidate for this innovative tooth replacement treatment.