If you're looking into tooth replacements, chances are good that you've heard of dental implants. You might shy away from implants initially because they can take longer than other tooth replacements, but that time investment will serve you well. Dental implants are one of the longest-lasting types of tooth replacement out there. Here are the three reasons why they're so tough.

Strength of Material

Dentures and bridges are made of acrylic resin and other materials. This makes them sturdy and somewhat flexible, but acrylic resin doesn't last forever. Over time, bending and warping can occur, and unfortunately, breaks can also happen. Dental implants, on the other hand, are made of a porcelain crown, just like the kind that's placed over teeth when they have severe cavities. Below the crown is a titanium peg that goes down deep into your jaw. Titanium is one of the strongest materials out there, which helps to give the dental implant extreme resilience.

Supported by Gums

Most tooth replacements sit on top of your gums. This includes both dentures and dental bridges. Implants, on the other hand, don't. Only the crown of the implant is actually above the surface of the gums. The titanium part, however, actually utilizes the strength of your gums by plunging deep into them. After you have the titanium implant put in, the gums close up around it, supporting it from all sides. This helps to keep the implant firmly in place, and it reduces wear and tear on the implant itself, which can't be said of dentures or dental bridges.

Supported by Bone

Finally, dental implants aren't just supported by the soft tissue of your gums. They're also held in place by your jawbones. A dental implant is designed to go just as deep in your jaw as a real tooth does. This means that once it's put in place, the bone of your jaw will gradually grow new cells around it, covering the implant in new, healthy bone. This gives the implant extraordinary durability and resilience and prevents it from falling out or wiggling when pressure is put on it.

Standard dental tooth replacements only sit on top of the gums and have to rely upon adhesive or neighboring teeth to stay in place. Dental implants are designed to work like real teeth, with all the strength that real teeth have from the jaw and gums. Talk to a dentist that practices implant dentistry for more information.