Dental Implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Unlike dentures and dental implants, dental implants replace the roots of the missing teeth, allowing for a wife range of additional benefits. With all of the talk about dental implants, you may be wondering – how do dental implants compare to natural teeth? Should healthy teeth be replaced with dental implants? Here’s what you should know.
Should Healthy Teeth Be Replaced with Dental Implants?
You have probably heard others rave about their dental implants and how they feel just like natural teeth. The truth is that no dental prosthetic out there will feel quite as comfortable and natural as your natural teeth. It isn’t advised to remove healthy teeth and replace them with dental implants for cosmetic purposes. Tooth extractions should only be performed as a very last resort.
When Should a Tooth Be Removed?
Tooth extractions are necessary in some of the following scenarios.
- Infection
- Advanced periodontitis
- Severe tooth decay
- Failed root canal treatment
- Fracture of the tooth root
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Orthodontic purposes
When Can Tooth Extractions Be Avoided?
In the following situation, you may be able to avoid a tooth extraction.
- Discoloration: Cosmetic treatments are available to combat staining.
- Misalignment: Orthodontic treatments can solve this problem.
- Halitosis: There are various causes of halitosis, and many are easy to address.
- Mild/Moderate Decay: This can often be treated with dental fillings, dental crowns, or root canal treatment.
- Pain: Pain can often be eliminated with root canal treatment or fillings.
- Gingivitis: Excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits can reverse gingivitis.
Why Shouldn’t Healthy Teeth Be Replaced with Dental Implants?
When teeth are healthy, there isn’t a good reason to replace them with dental implants/ If you have concerns regarding the aesthetics of your smile, you are better off scheduling a cosmetic consultation with your dentist to address your concerns and put together a treatment plan to meet your goals. Extracting and replacing teeth with dental implants is costly and takes many months before you can enjoy their benefits. While dental implants don’t decay in the same way that natural teeth do, they are just as, if not more susceptible to gum disease, so there would not be any oral health benefits – only drawbacks.
Ultimately, replacing teeth with dental implants is necessary under certain circumstances, but should not be considered with healthy teeth. By caring for your natural teeth and discussing concerns with your dentist, you will likely be able to achieve your smile goals with another treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Jay Lopez earned his dental doctorate from the University of Colorado Health Science Center School of dentistry. Since then, he has continued to pursue postdoctoral training in various topics, including dental implants. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (520) 886-8090.