Dental implants are rightly regarded as the best form of tooth replacement. However, some people have taken that to mean they should ask their dentist to extract their natural teeth so they can be replaced by implants. Is that a good idea? In the vast majority of cases, no, it is not. This blog post discusses why you should try to keep your natural smile as long as possible instead of replacing healthy teeth with dental implants.
Natural Teeth Are Better
Dental implants can be very comfortable in the mouth, and they provide a strong bite force that can allow you to eat almost any food. However, natural teeth are still superior in a few ways:
- Despite the strength of dental implants, natural teeth are still stronger.
- Natural teeth can be whitened, whereas dental implant restorations cannot.
- Because natural teeth have nerves, they are better able to alert you to problems with your oral health.
- Maintaining natural teeth costs less than replacing them with dental implants.
It Is Best to Avoid Surgery if Possible
The dental implant process is generally considered to be safe and predictable. In fact, it is successful in more than 95% of cases. However, there is no such thing as a totally risk-free surgery. If possible, it is best to avoid invasive treatments and opt for more conservative care instead.
When Should Teeth Be Removed for Dental Implants?
Of course, the above information does not mean that teeth should never be extracted in order to make room for dental implants. On the contrary, there are some situations in which it may be wise to remove natural teeth so they can be replaced:
- Gum recession has caused the teeth to lose their base of support. (Gum disease treatment and tissue grafts may be necessary before dental implant placement.)
- The natural teeth are severely worn down, decayed, or damaged in other ways.
- There are so few natural teeth left in the mouth that it would be simpler and more efficient to extract them so the patient can undergo full-mouth tooth replacement.
Ask Your Dentist for Advice
If you are unsure of whether you should keep your natural teeth or replace them with dental implants, book a consultation with your dentist. They will provide an expert opinion on your oral health, and they can give you a straightforward analysis of the risks and rewards of tooth replacement. With their help, you can make a wise decision that allows you to enjoy a healthy, functional, and confident smile.
Meet the Practice
Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield provides a comprehensive range of oral health services to our community. We strive to help patients maintain their natural teeth for as long as possible, but we are also proud to offer start-to-finish dental implant care. If you have questions about tooth replacement or anything else that relates to your smile’s well-being, contact our team at 860-263-0441.