Dental implants have become a popular way to replace missing teeth. They can look and function much like natural teeth, which may lead some people to wonder: If implants are so effective, could I replace my healthy natural teeth with them? In most cases, the answer is no. Healthy natural teeth are generally worth preserving whenever possible.
Natural Teeth Are Usually the Best Option
Even with advances in dental technology, dental implants aren’t considered an upgrade over healthy natural teeth. Your natural teeth are supported by a complex system of tissues and ligaments that help you chew and sense pressure. They also work together with your jawbone and surrounding teeth.
If a tooth is healthy and functioning normally, removing it unnecessarily exposes you to the risks associated with extraction and implant surgery. There is also no guarantee that an implant will provide a better outcome than the natural tooth it replaces.
Dentists generally recommend preserving healthy tooth structure whenever reasonably possible.
When Are Dental Implants Appropriate?
Dental implants are primarily designed to replace teeth that are already missing or cannot be predictably saved. A severely damaged tooth may sometimes require extraction if it has extensive decay, a fracture, advanced infection or another problem that makes restoration impractical.
In these situations, an implant can provide a stable foundation for a replacement tooth. Depending on your needs, an implant can support a crown, bridge or denture.
Your dentist should evaluate the tooth and discuss potential treatments before recommending extraction. In some cases, procedures such as a filling, crown or root canal may allow you to preserve the natural tooth.
Why Removing Healthy Teeth Can Be Risky
Any surgical procedure carries potential risks. Implant treatment can involve infection, damage to surrounding structures, nerve complications, bone loss or implant failure. Removing healthy teeth also permanently eliminates your natural tooth structure.
Replacing multiple healthy teeth with implants can involve additional surgeries and restorative procedures, making the treatment significantly more complex than maintaining natural teeth.
Dental implants can be an excellent solution when teeth are missing or cannot be saved, but they aren’t intended to replace healthy teeth simply because they are available. When it comes to your smile, preserving healthy natural teeth is usually the first priority.
About the Practice
Tired of hiding your smile? Sick of chronic tooth pain? Are you over avoiding foods that you love? Our team at Timber Dental has the solution to these problems: dental implants! These restorations can restore your smile’s aesthetic appeal and functionality for up to decades or even a lifetime. Visit our website to schedule your appointment or call one of our conveniently located offices in your area.