Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option in existence! Unlike dentures and dental bridges, dental implants replace the roots of the missing teeth, allowing for numerous benefits, including additional stability, longevity, and comfort. But how do dental implants face up against natural teeth? Should healthy teeth be replaced with dental implants? Here’s what you should know.
Can Healthy Teeth Be Replaced with Dental Implants?
You may have heard those with dental implants rave about how great they are and that they feel just like natural teeth. However, the truth is that no other dental restoration or prosthetic in the world feels quite the same as a natural tooth. It is not advised to remove healthy teeth to replace them with dental implants for cosmetic purposes. Tooth extractions should only ever be performed as a last resort when a tooth cannot be salvaged.
When Is Tooth Removal Warranted?
There are some situations where tooth extractions may be viable. Here are the most common:
- Infection
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Severe tooth decay
- Failed root canal treatment
- Fractured tooth roots
- Impacted teeth
- Orthodontic purposes
When Can Tooth Extractions Be Avoided?
In the following situations, tooth extractions can usually be avoided:
- Discoloration: Cosmetic treatments are available to fight back against staining.
- Misalignment: Orthodontic treatment can address misalignment more effectively.
- Halitosis: There are many reasons for this issue, and there are multiple solution options, like gum disease treatment.
- Mild/Moderate Decay: Decay can often be treated with dental fillings, dental crowns, or root canal treatment.
- Pain: In many situations, pain can be eliminated with root canal treatment, dental fillings, or another treatment.
- Gingivitis: Excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits can reverse this issue.
Why Shouldn’t Healthy Teeth Be Replaced with Dental Implants?
When teeth are in healthy shape, there isn’t any good reason to replace them with dental implants. If you have concerns about the appearance of your smile, you are much better off scheduling a cosmetic dentistry consultation with your dentist to discuss your concerns and put together a treatment plan to meet your goals. Extracting and replacing teeth with dental implants is costly and can take many months before achieving a complete smile again. Dental implants don’t decay in the same way as natural teeth, but they are just as, if not more susceptible to gum disease, so there would not be any significant oral health benefits – only drawbacks.
Ultimately, replacing teeth with dental implants is necessary under certain circumstances, but this should not be completed with healthy teeth. By taking care of your teeth and discussing your concerns with your dentist, you will be better able to achieve your goals by another means.
About the Author
Dr. Luke Vernon earned his dental doctorate from Indiana University’s School of Dentistry. Since then, he has completed countless hours of continuing education to stay up to date with all of the advancements modern dentistry has to offer. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Colorado Dental Association. For more information on dental implants or to schedule an appointment at his office in Denver, visit his website or call (720) 902-8080.