Yes, dental implants feel like real teeth once they’ve fully healed and integrated with your jawbone. Most patients report that they forget which teeth are implants because they function, feel, and respond just like natural teeth when biting, chewing, and speaking.
Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are anchored directly into your jawbone, mimicking the natural tooth root structure. This creates a stable, permanent foundation that provides the same sensory feedback and functionality as your original teeth. At A1 Dental Surgery in Canterbury, our experienced team regularly carries out dental implant surgery, and patients consistently tell us how natural their implants feel compared to other tooth replacement options.
How Do Dental Implants Compare to Natural Teeth?
Yes, because dental implants are designed to replicate natural teeth as closely as possible. The implant itself is a titanium post that’s surgically placed into your jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. Once healed, a custom crown is attached to this post, completing the restoration. The result is a tooth replacement that looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth.
The key similarities include stable anchorage that doesn’t move or shift when eating or speaking, the ability to bite and chew with normal force without discomfort, natural sensation when eating hot or cold foods, and the same oral hygiene routine as natural teeth. Because implants fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, they become a permanent part of your mouth’s structure, providing unmatched stability and comfort.
Will You Feel Pain or Discomfort With Dental Implants?
No, you shouldn’t feel pain or discomfort with dental implants once they’ve fully healed. During the initial healing period (typically 3-6 months), you may experience some tenderness around the implant site, but this is temporary and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Once osseointegration is complete and your permanent crown is fitted, the implant should feel completely comfortable and natural.
It’s important to note that dental implants don’t have nerves like natural teeth, so you won’t feel sensitivity in the implant itself. However, the surrounding gum tissue and bone retain sensation, which is why implants still provide feedback when you bite down. This combination gives you the security of knowing your implant is stable whilst maintaining natural oral awareness.
Can You Eat Normally With Dental Implants?
Yes, you can eat normally with dental implants. In fact, one of the primary advantages of dental implants over dentures or bridges is the ability to eat all your favourite foods without restriction. Dental implants restore approximately 80-90% of your natural chewing power, allowing you to bite into apples, eat steak, enjoy crunchy vegetables, and consume sticky foods without worry.
Unlike dentures, which can slip or cause discomfort when eating certain foods, dental implants remain firmly in place. There’s no need to avoid hard or chewy foods, and you won’t experience the clicking or movement that sometimes occurs with removable dentures. At A1 Dental Surgery, patients often tell us that regaining the confidence to eat whatever they like is one of the most life-changing benefits of dental implants.
How Long Does It Take for Dental Implants to Feel Normal?
It typically takes 3 to 6 months for dental implants to feel completely normal. This timeline accounts for the osseointegration process, during which the titanium implant fuses with your jawbone. During the first few weeks after surgery, you’ll be aware of the implant site as it heals, and you may experience some tenderness or swelling.
As healing progresses, you’ll gradually forget about the implant as it becomes integrated into your mouth. By the time your permanent crown is fitted, most patients report that the implant feels entirely natural. Some describe a brief adjustment period of a week or two whilst they get used to their new tooth, but this is typically minor and relates to the shape and feel of the crown rather than the implant itself.
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