Today’s dental implants are amazing as tooth replacements. Compared to dental bridges and dentures, they’re more lifelike and work better with your smile. It’s to the point that you may wonder: Can you replace healthy teeth with dental implants? Still, the short answer to that question is “No.” You should always keep and repair a natural tooth when possible. Your Granby dentist will gladly explain if you’d like. To that end, here’s why you shouldn’t replace healthy teeth with dental implants.
Context: Some Teeth Need Removal
Of course, there are times when teeth should be removed and replaced. Your dentist can perform tooth extraction treatments in those cases. They’ll likely suggest this service if you have any of the following:
- A severe tooth infection
- Cavities that can’t be filled
- Teeth fractured at the roots
- Loose teeth due to gum disease
- Dental overcrowding
- An impacted wisdom tooth
- A tooth with failed root canal treatment.
All that said, a tooth extraction is a last resort. Qualified dentists won’t recommend one unless there’s no better option. Whenever they can, most dental teams will strive to save a patient’s teeth.
Healthy Teeth > Dental Implants
Despite their great traits, dental implants can’t match healthy teeth. It’s always better to keep a natural tooth (when possible) than to replace it with an implant post.
Switching from a normal tooth to a dental implant has notable downsides. For starters, the removal and replacement are often pricey; they tend to cost more than saving the tooth. Plus, an extraction causes a degree of jawbone loss. It’ll lead to the loss of certain tissues, even if you follow up with dental implants. There’s also a chance that placement surgery will cause an infection at your treatment site.
Given the facts above, you should only get dental implants when they’re truly needed. It’s best to stick with your natural teeth otherwise.
Look Into Repairs & Cosmetics
While you may not pull a switcheroo, you can still solve the issues you’d wanted dental implants to fix. Simply talk to your dentist about tooth repair and cosmetic dentistry. These options could address your needs.
So long as it’s healthy, a dentist can always improve your tooth with repairs and cosmetics. Treatments like dental fillings and dental crowns would strengthen any damaged areas. On the other hand, services like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers would enhance the tooth’s beauty. That means the right amount of dental care can make your pearly white look and feel much better.
Since you shouldn’t replace healthy teeth with dental implants, keep your other options in mind. Your local dentist would be happy to discuss them with you.
About the Practice
Salmon Brook Dental Associates is based in Granby, CT. Led by Drs. Endres and Chawla, our practice prides itself on its convenient dental care. We offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services at extended hours, as well as emergency oral treatments. Our team is also ready to provide you with dental implants that can fully restore your smile! For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (281)-479-2841.