Do Dental Implants Feel Like Real Teeth?

This is a topic we’re going to answer in as much detail as possible today. Hopefully, this information will help you to decide if dental implants could be the right treatment for you.

What do dental implants feel like?

The first thing to remember is that your implants might feel quite strange in the beginning while they are still healing and you are getting used to the new tooth in your mouth. In the earliest stages, you might feel very aware of your dental implant, but this will soon pass.

Once dental implants have healed, they feel very natural. The implant is essentially an artificial tooth root, which means that the crown can function like a natural tooth. When you bite down with your tooth, the force of your bite is absorbed by your jaw bone, just like the surrounding teeth.

Implants also feel very sturdy. With a bridge, you’ll always be aware that the bridge is held in place with dental cement, which means you need to be more cautious about chewing. And with a denture, this will be held in place with denture adhesive, so you might be concerned about this slipping or falling out when you speak or smile.

What does it feel like to brush and floss dental implants?

Good oral hygiene is an essential part of caring for your dental implants. This means you’ll need to learn how to carefully clean your dental implant tooth so that bacteria and plaque cannot build up around the implant.

We recommend an electric toothbrush, dental floss, interdental brushes and a water flosser to help maintain your oral health after implants. You don’t want to focus all of your attention on the implant; you should aim to thoroughly clean all of your mouth, as this is the best way to prevent gum disease and periimplantitis. 

Can I really eat what I want with dental implants?

One of the many benefits of dental implants is that you can eat a much wider variety of foods, including tough and chewy foods like crusty bread, nuts and raw vegetables. 

You will still need to be careful with certain foods, as they could cause damage to the porcelain crown. This includes very chewy sweets like toffee and habits like chewing on ice cubes. Overall, you’ll be able to eat what you like with confidence. 

What patients should know before starting treatment

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that dental implant treatment is not a single appointment, it’s a journey. The treatment takes place over multiple visits, often months apart. 

In the early stages of the treatment, the implant might feel very strange. But don’t worry, as the treatment will start to feel more normal as time goes by. It can take around a year before the implant is completely settled, so don’t judge the feeling of your dental implant until this time has passed.

Over time, you’ll become less aware of your dental implant as it starts to feel like a natural part of your mouth. For a short time after the dental crown is placed, you might find it frustrating to bite your cheek or your tongue, but this is simply your body getting used to the tooth in a spot that used to be a gap.

Thinking about dental implants but not sure if they’re right for you? Book a consultation with our team today.