You just can’t beat healthy teeth. If you’re taking excellent care of your smile with a rigorous daily oral hygiene regimen and regular dental visits while limiting your sugar intake, you can expect your natural teeth to last for a lifetime. However, some people who read about how great dental implants may be curious about replacing their healthy teeth with them. Here’s why having healthy natural teeth is better than having dental implants.
Why Would Someone Want to Replace Healthy Teeth with Dental Implants?
Dental implants are made from high-quality materials that are both stain-resistant and stronger than your teeth’s natural enamel. This may make some people believe that replacing their healthy teeth will absolve them from their oral hygiene routines. This is, of course, not true, as dental implants require the same hygiene regimen as natural teeth to prevent gum disease that can lead to their failure.
Other people may not be happy with the way their natural teeth are shaped, leading them to see dental implants as a way to have a better-aligned and more symmetrical smile. Using dental implants for cosmetic purposes is simple overkill, as these issues can be addressed more affordably and less invasively with cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers or dental bonding.
When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
One of the primary goals of dentistry is to prevent tooth loss, so your dentist will only recommend extraction if it is absolutely necessary. Reasons why extraction may be recommended include:
- Infection that can’t be treated with a filling, dental crown, or root canal
- Teeth loosened by advanced gum disease
- Teeth that aren’t expected to last much longer
- A tooth being fractured down to its root
- The mouth not having enough room to accommodate the emerging wisdom teeth
- Teeth must be removed so an orthodontic treatment can address crowding
Replacing a tooth with a dental implant is almost always more expensive than saving it with a restorative treatment. Natural teeth are also better at keeping the jawbone stimulated, which will help ensure its health for years to come. While dental implants are incredibly comfortable, they do not feel as natural as real teeth, so it’s best to preserve natural teeth for the sake of the patient’s comfort.
Dental implants are an excellent way to replace lost teeth, but you should only get them if you really need them. Seeing your dentist at least twice a year for exams and cleanings is a key part of keeping your teeth in great shape.
About the Author
Dr. Bikram Singh earned his dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed a General Practice Residency program at Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, PA after graduating. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the North Carolina Dental Society. His office in Cary, NC offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To learn more about dental implants, contact his office online or dial (919) 460-5454.