If you’re familiar with dental implants, you likely appreciate their remarkable ability to restore lost teeth comprehensively. Once implanted in the jawbone, they can completely rejuvenate the appearance, sensation, and function of a smile, offering exceptional and unparalleled advantages. However, is it ever advisable to substitute healthy teeth with dental implants, or should one strive to preserve their natural teeth for as long as feasible? Let’s delve into the details.
Why Your Natural Teeth Are Best for Your Smile
While dental implants are widely regarded as the top choice for replacing missing teeth, they inevitably take a backseat to your natural, pristine teeth. Your original teeth reign supreme as the most efficient tools for biting and chewing due to their inherent strength and seamless integration with your other oral components.
The American Academy of Periodontology discourages the removal of healthy teeth in favor of dental implants. Moreover, tooth extraction comes with potential risks, including the development of dry sockets and oral infections.
When Natural Teeth Should Be Removed
Nevertheless, there are situations where the extraction of natural teeth becomes a requirement, influenced by various contributing factors. These factors may encompass substantial bone loss leading to tooth mobility, irreparable fractures, tooth loss due to trauma, or persistent and challenging gum disease.
It’s crucial to emphasize that dentists prioritize the preservation of healthy teeth whenever feasible. If extraction becomes necessary, your dentist will guide you through a thorough discussion of available tooth-replacement alternatives, including dental implants for eligible patients, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Why Repairing Teeth Is Preferable
It’s important to highlight that maintaining the health of your natural teeth is undeniably easier than tending to replacement teeth, which is why preserving your original teeth is the preferred choice. Damaged teeth can readily benefit from readily available and cost-effective treatments like fillings, crowns, or even root canal therapy.
Additionally, certain restorations demand different levels of specialized care. This includes dentures, bridges, and to some extent, implants,
When Dental Implants Are Necessary
Dental implants are considered necessary when patients have preexisting missing teeth or experience oral health concerns that necessitate tooth extraction and replacement. Nonetheless, they are only a suitable option for individuals with sufficient jawbone density and reasonably healthy oral conditions, which can be determined by your dentist during an initial consultation.
The key takeaway is that while dental implants offer remarkable benefits, they may not be the ideal solution for everyone, and they are not designed to replace healthy existing teeth. Regardless, addressing compromised or missing teeth promptly is essential. If you are facing such an issue, do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist and inquire about the potential of dental implants.
About the Practice
Dr. Jay Owen, Dr. Rudy Wolf, Dr. Philip S. Walerko, Dr. Gwen Hooks, and Dr. David L. Polk are dedicated to delivering top-tier dental care to patients residing in Bedford. If you happen to have multiple or all of your teeth missing, they are well-equipped to provide you with comprehensive information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants, helping you decide if they are the appropriate choice for your needs. Additionally, they can offer valuable advice on how to maintain the optimal condition of your implants. To schedule a consultation or to learn more about dental implants, call (540) 586-8106 or visit their website.
