Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Since they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they allow for a wide range of benefits that you can’t achieve with dentures or dental bridges. After learning about how great dental implants are, you may be wondering how they compare to natural teeth. Can healthy teeth be replaced with dental implants? Here’s what you should know.
Can Healthy Teeth Be Replaced with Dental Implant?
You have likely heard people talk highly of your dental implants and how they feel just like real teeth. The truth is that no dental prosthetic out there will feel quite as comfortable and natural as your real teeth. It isn’t 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 Should a Tooth Be Removed?
Tooth extractions are necessary in some of the following situations.
- Infection
- Advanced periodontitis
- Severe tooth decay
- Failed root canal treatment
- Fracture of the tooth root
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Orthodontic purposes
When Can Tooth Extractions Be Avoided?
You may be able to avoid having your tooth extracted in the following scenarios.
- Discoloration: Cosmetic treatments are available to combat staining.
- Misalignment: Orthodontic treatments can solve this issue.
- Halitosis: There are various causes of halitosis, and many are easy to address.
- Mild/Moderate Decay: This can be treated with dental fillings, dental crowns, or root canal treatment.
- Pain: Pain can often be eliminated with root canal treatment or fillings.
- Gingivitis: Excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits can reverse gingivitis.
Why Shouldn’t Healthy Teeth Be Replaced by Dental Implants?
When teeth are healthy, there isn’t a good reason to replace them with dental implants. If you have concerns regarding the aesthetics of your smile, you’re better off scheduling a cosmetic consultation with your dentist to address your concerns and put together a treatment plan to meet your needs. Extracting and replacing teeth with dental implants is costly and takes multiple months before you can enjoy the results. While dental implants don’t decay like 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 considered with healthy teeth. By caring for your natural teeth and discussing concerns with your dentist, you will likely be able to achieve your goals with another treatment method.
About the Author
Dr. Sikander Singh earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Since then, he has pursued advanced training in all aspects of dentistry. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Association, and the York Dental Society. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (717) 755-4143.
