Can dental implants be bitten?

What is a tooth implant?

Let's start with what a tooth implant is in general. A tooth implant is a titanium (or zirconium) screw that is implanted into the jaw bone or jaw bone, replacing the root of a lost tooth. It provides a stable basis for further prosthetic restoration. A crown is applied to the implant. The implant crown, on the other hand, is a prosthetic element that attaches to the implant and that looks and functions like a natural tooth. The crown can be made of various materials, such as porcelain, zircon or metal-ceramic.

Can dental implants be bitten?

No, a tooth implant without a crown is not suitable for biting. A tooth implant is just a titanium or zirconium screw implanted into the bone, which performs the function of an artificial root. In order for it to function properly as the basis for prosthetic restoration, it must first undergo a process of osteointegration, that is, adhesion to the bone. This process usually takes several weeks, depending on the individual predisposition of the patient, the quality of the bones and the location of the implant (the lower jaw usually heals faster than the jaw).

Why can't you bite with an implant without a crown?

• Lack of chewing function - the tooth implant itself does not have a chewing surface, as it is hidden in the gum or covered with a special healing screw. Thus, it is not able to fulfill the function of a natural tooth.
• Risk of damage to the implant — the implanted tooth implant must be completely stable and immobile in order for it to properly integrate into the bone. Any load before the completion of osteointegration can lead to micromovements that will prevent it from being accepted properly and may result in its loss.
• Protecting the healing process — direct stress on the tooth implant before a prosthetic crown is placed on it can cause inflammation around the implant (periimplantitis), which increases the risk of rejection.

What happens to the implant before the crown is fixed?

After implantation, the tooth implant is usually covered with gum or secured with a healing screw that allows the tissues to heal properly. In some cases, a temporary crown is used, but its task is mainly aesthetics, not chewing function. A full load on the implant is possible only after the completion of the osteointegration process and the fixation of the final prosthetic crown.

Are there exceptions?

Yes, in some cases, immediate loading of the implant is used, that is, the installation of a temporary crown immediately after the implant is implanted. This is possible if the implant is very stably embedded in the bone and there is no risk of its mobility. However, even then the patient must be extremely careful and avoid biting hard foods.

Can a tooth implant with a crown be bitten?

A tooth implant with a crown installed can be freely bitten, since after the end of the implant treatment it performs the function of a natural tooth. Titanium implants are very durable and can transmit chewing forces similar to natural teeth. Also, the materials from which crowns are made (zircon, porcelain, metal-ceramic) are durable, but can be damaged with excessive pressure.

Does an implant bite differently than a natural tooth?

There are some differences in the feeling of biting with implants:

• No feeling of pain and pressure in the implant — in a natural tooth, nerve endings in the pulp allow you to feel the force of pressure. The implant has no nerves, so the patient may unknowingly bite too hard, which increases the risk of damage to the crown.
• Adaptation of the muscles and temporomandibular joint - after the implant is implanted, the patient may need several weeks to get used to the new bite, especially if he has had cavities for a long time.
• No caries, but the need for hygiene — implants do not deteriorate like natural teeth, but require thorough hygiene to prevent inflammation of the tissues around the implant (periimplantitis) that could lead to its loss.

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What crown will be the toughest?

Crowns of dental implants are made from a variety of materials that differ in durability, aesthetics and cost. Here are the most commonly used types:

Zirconium (zirconium oxide)

Zirconia crowns on implants are an excellent combination of durability, aesthetics and safety, which makes them one of the best available solutions in modern dentistry.

• Highest strength — zirconium is one of the strongest materials used in dental prosthetics. It is extremely resistant to abrasion, cracks and fractures, which makes it great for crowns on implants. Thanks to its hardness, it perfectly withstands the intense loads associated with chewing, which makes it an ideal choice for patients expecting a permanent solution.
• Very aesthetic - zirconium oxide crowns perfectly imitate natural teeth in shape and color. Although they are slightly less translucent than all-ceramic porcelain crowns, modern technologies allow for a very natural look. Thanks to this, zirconia restorations are gladly used on both the front and side teeth.
• Safe for allergy sufferers - Unlike metal-ceramic crowns, zircon does not contain metal, which eliminates the risk of allergic reactions. It is fully biocompatible, which means that the body tolerates it well.

Porcelain on a metal base (metal-ceramic)

Porcelain crowns on a metal base are a proven and economical solution in implantology, combining solidity with aesthetics. Although they do not match zirconium in appearance and crack resistance, they remain a durable and functional option for patients seeking a durable prosthetic complement.

• Good durability — metal-ceramic crowns combine solidity and aesthetics. The metal substructure provides high strength and resistance to chewing loads, which makes them a durable solution, especially in the lateral section of the jaw and lower jaw. In turn, a layer of porcelain gives the crown a natural look, similar to a real tooth.
• Less aesthetic than zircon — although porcelain reproduces the appearance of natural enamel well, the metal base can sometimes shine through under the gum, especially after several years of use. This can lead to the appearance of a darker border at the gum line, which is less desirable for the front teeth.
• More affordable — Compared to full zirconia crowns, metal-ceramic ones are a cheaper option, offering a good balance between durability and aesthetics. This makes them a popular choice for people looking for a durable solution at a reasonable price.

Full porcelain (ceramics)

Full ceramic crowns are an excellent solution for people who prioritize the aesthetics of their smile. Although they are less resistant to cracks, their appearance is incomparable to other materials, which makes them the best choice for implants in the anterior part of the oral cavity.

• The best aesthetics — all-ceramic crowns are distinguished by their unique aesthetics, as they perfectly imitate natural teeth. Their transparency and way of reflecting light make them look almost identical to natural enamel, making them an ideal choice for those who value a perfect smile.
• The most natural look - thanks to the high transparency, all-ceramic crowns best reproduce the structure and color of natural teeth. They do not contain metal or zirconium base, so there is no risk of dark borders on the gum, even after many years of use.
• Less durable — compared to zirconia or metal-ceramic crowns, full ceramics are more susceptible to mechanical damage. It can crack under heavy pressure, so it is not recommended for molars that are exposed to strong chewing forces.

Acrylic (temporary)

It is mainly used as a transitional solution — e.g. after the implant is implanted, before the final crown is made. Lightweight and inexpensive, but very prone to abrasion and cracking. Not suitable for long-term use.

Which material is the hardest?

Zircon (zirconium oxide) is by far the strongest and most resistant material used in implant crowns. It is almost as durable as natural bone and even harder than enamel. Therefore, it is an ideal choice for crowns on implants, especially in the lateral sections where high chewing forces act.