When you get a dental replacement like dentures or bridges, it's very clear how they're secured where they are. However, with dental implants, you might have some questions about them. For example, while you probably know that they don't come out, could they potentially twist or rotate? Here's what you need to know about this question.

How Implants Work

There are two main parts to a dental implant - the crown on top, and the implant below. The crown sits on top of the gums while the implant is inserted into the gums. It looks a bit like a stud earring until the crown is put on top, which may lead to the idea that it could rotate. Here's why it doesn't.

The Gums

The first thing that happens with your new implant is that the gums close up around it. This seals your implant in on all sides in a snug fit. This makes it difficult for the implant to move anywhere, whether it be side to side or twisting in a circle. However, the support doesn't stop there.

The Bone

Dental implants go all the way down to the bones in the jaw. They're inserted into the same sort of slot that your original teeth would have been in. However, that doesn't mean that they just loosely sit there resting on your bones.

Instead, what happens is that as you start to heal, new bone cells are gradually built by the jaw that move over the surface of the implant. As time goes on, these bone cells become so thick that it's like the implant was always a part of your bone. This process will continue on for years, growing stronger all the time, as every time you chew on your new implant it will stimulate the bone to grow new bone cells over it.

Once the bone has hardened around the implant, that implant isn't going to go anywhere. It's what makes dental implants one of the longest-lasting and most durable methods of teeth replacement out there.

If you're interested in dental implants, rest assured that your teeth aren't going to go spinning around in your mouth. Keep in mind that you should never try to forcibly move or twist your dental implants, as it could damage the surgical site, implant, or your body. If you have questions about caring for your dental implants or further concerns, get in touch with a dentist.