Dental implants are the pinnacle of tooth replacement! Unlike dentures and dental bridges, dental implants replace the roots of the missing teeth, allowing for numerous benefits, like additional stability, zero eating restrictions, and the preservation of the jawbone. But how do dental implants compare to natural teeth? Should healthy teeth be replaced with dental implants? Here’s what you should know.
Should Healthy Teeth Be Replaced with Dental Implants?
You may have heard others rave about their dental implants and how they feel just like natural teeth. The truth is that no dental prosthetic in the world will feel quite as comfortable and natural as your healthy tooth. It is not advised to remove healthy teeth and replace them with dental implants for cosmetic purposes. Tooth extractions should only be performed as a very last resort.
When Is Tooth Removal Warranted?
Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary in the following situations:
- Infection
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Severe tooth decay
- Failed root canal treatment
- Fracture of the tooth roots
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Orthodontic reasons
When Is Tooth Extraction Avoidable?
In the following situations, tooth extractions are usually completely avoidable:
- Discoloration: Cosmetic treatments are available to combat staining.
- Misalignment: Orthodontic treatments can solve this issue.
- Halitosis: There are numerous causes for this issue, and many are easy to resolve.
- Mild to Moderate Decay: This can often be treated with dental fillings, dental crowns, and/or root canal treatment.
- Pain: In many cases, pain can be eliminated with root canal treatment or fillings.
- Gingivitis: Excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits can reverse gingivitis.
Why Healthy Teeth Shouldn’t Be Replaced with Dental Implants
When teeth are healthy, there isn’t any good reason to replace them with dental implants. If you have concerns regarding the aesthetics of your smile, you are better off scheduling a cosmetic consultation with your dentist to address your concerns and put together a treatment plan to meet your goals. Extracting and replacing teeth with dental implants is also costly and can take many months before achieving a complete smile again. While dental implants don’t decay in the same way as natural teeth, they are just as, if not more susceptible to gum disease, so there would not be any oral health benefits, just drawbacks.
Ultimately, replacing teeth with dental implants is necessary under certain circumstances, but should not be completed with healthy teeth. By caring for your natural teeth and discussing your concerns with your dentist, you will likely be able to achieve your smile goals by other means.
About the Author
Dr. Christel Cochell is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for nearly two decades! She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine at OHSU in Portland. Today, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Oregon Dental Association, and the Seattle Study Club. For more information on dental implants or to schedule an appointment at her office in Salem, visit her website or call (503) 585-8688.