Dental implants remain superior to dental bridges and dentures when replacing patients’ teeth. They offer multiple benefits that cannot be obtained with any other form of treatment, but should you swap out your healthy teeth for artificial ones? Before you decide, read on to discover why your periodontist will likely discourage this action.
The Truth About Natural Teeth
Imperfections and even minor bouts of decay don’t always require tooth removal. Instead, there are many services available that can improve the look and health of your teeth, ensuring they remain in place for life.
For example, if you have discoloration or stains, professional teeth whitening might be all you need to see a brighter smile. If tooth pain or an infection is present (and found early enough), a dental filling, crown, or root canal can often be enough to address the situation.
Why You Shouldn’t Switch to Dental Implants
When you have healthy teeth, you have the “best of the best.” No matter how innovative and modern dental prosthetics seem, nothing is as strong or as comfortable as your natural teeth.
If you need additional reasons why you should leave your smile alone and not pursue dental implants, here are a few:
- Dental implants are not a “set and forget” kind of tooth replacement. They require regular maintenance and good oral hygiene. Just because they can’t develop cavities doesn’t mean other problems can’t develop (i.e., peri-implantitis).
- Replacing natural teeth with dental implants is likely to cost more than trying to save them from extraction.
- If you want dental implants for aesthetic purposes, you can ask about cosmetic dental services, like veneers or dental crowns, to improve your appearance.
- While dental implants fuse with the jawbone, they do not fuse with the periodontium, which is an important tissue that can make your biting sensation feel different.
Reasons Why Healthy Teeth Might Need Replacement
Although you should never seek out tooth replacement if your periodontist and/or dentist believes you have a healthy smile, there are a few reasons why removal might be necessary:
- A tooth is fractured beyond the crown and has damaged the root
- A tooth has a large cavity that cannot be restored with a crown, filling, or root canal
- A tooth is severely infected or loose because of gum disease
- Teeth need to be removed to ensure orthodontic treatment for overcrowding is successful
Do not immediately give up on your natural teeth just because they may not look or feel their best. Talk to your dentist about how to improve your smile without resorting to dental implants.
About the Practice
Rauchberg Dental Group is a multi-specialty practice led by Dr. Alan Rauchberg. With five esteemed experts on staff, we are pleased to have board-certified periodontist Dr. Eunjung Shim, who offers superior service when rebuilding and restoring smiles with dental implants. Visit our website or call (973) 718-9887 to schedule a consultation with her today if you want to talk about whether these are a good option for you.