Many experts consider dental implants to be the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of the unique advantages they provide. They’re the only restorations embedded directly into your jawbone, giving them added strength and stability over alternatives like dentures or dental bridges. Because of this, they also tend to last longer, don’t have many dietary restrictions, and require fewer repairs over time.
That said, some dentists are growing concerned that increasing numbers of patients are asking whether they can replace still-viable teeth with dental implants. Continue reading to learn more about why it’s not usually recommended!
What Makes Dental Implants So Strong?
Understanding what makes dental implants so popular can help shed some light on this phenomenon. Unlike other options like dentures and bridges, these prosthetics function as sturdy standalone structures that don’t rely on surrounding teeth or gum tissues for support. This is because they include a titanium rod that’s surgically placed into your jawbone and fuses with it in a process known as osseointegration.
Once you’ve healed, your dentist provides a lifelike dental crown or other suitable restoration to refurbish your smile after tooth loss.
Why Do People Want to Replace Remaining Teeth?
Dental implants are typically recommended for patients with tooth loss or need extraction to preserve their oral health. So why do some folks with viable teeth wonder whether they can get them?
While the precise reason is unknown, it could be partly due to another provider’s incorrect or incomplete diagnosis. For example, some individuals have been told they need a tooth removed and replaced without exploring other options first, like a root canal procedure, that can effectively repair the damage. In these instances, it’s not uncommon to seek a second opinion only to learn that an extraction might not be necessary.
However, others are interested in removing teeth with cavities, chips, cracks, stains, or other imperfections even though they’re still functional. Although dental implants can effectively enhance your appearance after tooth loss, keep in mind that your dentist can also provide many additional cosmetic services to upgrade your grin.
Are Dental Implants Better than Natural Teeth?
In most cases, your dentist does everything they can to safeguard your smile, which usually means treating or mending your teeth instead of removing them. That’s because keeping the ones you’re born with is usually better for your oral health than removing them. For instance, getting a tooth extracted and then undergoing dental implant surgery leaves you at an increased risk of infections that wouldn’t otherwise exist. There’s a chance that bacteria could penetrate your gums and cause disease that can spread to your jawbone and cause additional tooth loss or implant failure- yikes!
If you’re unhappy with how your grin looks and are seeking solutions, the best next step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. They’ll examine your mouth and recommend solutions to enhance your teeth safely.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Pham has 10+ years of experience helping people of all ages improve their lives by refining their oral health. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the Temple University School of Dentistry and has completed advanced courses in implant dentistry, among several other topics. Her family-friendly practice is equipped with state-of-the-art technology so that she can perform everything from preventative care to cosmetic procedures to more complex surgeries. If you’re frustrated about the state of your smile, you can request an appointment on the website or call (703) 666-3867.