You may have heard of the many benefits that come with replacing lost teeth with dental implants. After all, thanks to the high-quality materials used to make them, dental implants are cavity-proof, stain-resistant, stronger than your teeth’s natural enamel, and able to match the appearance of the real thing. While this makes them great as restorations, it’s not a good idea to replace healthy teeth with them. Here’s why your natural teeth are the best option for your smile even though dental implants are completely amazing.
Why Shouldn’t I Replace Healthy Teeth with Dental Implants?
Dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone where they fuse to the surrounding bone structure through the natural process of osseointegration, which creates a sturdy and lifelike hold that allows them to function just like real teeth. However, no form of tooth replacement can feel as natural or comfortable as a healthy tooth, and the patient will have to take special care to maintain a dental implant.
An example of how real teeth and dental implants are different is that teeth are held in place with periodontal ligaments that send pain signals if the patient flosses too hard. Since these ligaments are not present for dental implants, the patient will have to be much more mindful about their flossing habits to prevent damage to the implant.
When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
One of the primary goals of dentistry is preventing tooth loss, but it is sometimes necessary to remove one tooth to preserve the rest. A few reasons for tooth extraction include:
- The tooth being decayed or damaged beyond repair
- The tooth being loose due to advanced periodontal disease
- The tooth is fractured down to the root
- The mouth does not have enough room for the wisdom teeth
- Teeth need to be removed to make room for orthodontic treatments
If your concerns about your teeth are aesthetic, they can be better addressed with cosmetic dental treatments like porcelain veneers. If you are worried about tooth decay, this can usually be resolved with a root canal or a filling much more affordably than with a dental implant. It does not make sense to extract healthy teeth, and your dentist will do everything they can to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
About the Author
Dr. Karl Arakelian earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and completed a General Practice Residency at Tufts-New England Medical Center. He has completed more than a thousand hours of continuing education and is a member of the Massachusetts Dental Association. His office in Bradford, MA offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry as well as dental implants. To schedule a consultation for dental implants, contact his practice online or dial (978) 373-0901.
