Decision Time: Should I Replace My Healthy Teeth with Dental Implants?

Dental implant technology is so impressive that some are considering replacing all their teeth—even the healthy ones—with dental implants. But is that wise? 

While the treatment has quickly gained popularity over the last few years as a practical solution for tooth replacement, your natural teeth still have much to offer. Continue reading to learn why you should stick with your natural teeth unless implants are necessary.

Why Do People Normally Get Dental Implants?

Dental implants are typically reserved for instances of severely decayed or broken teeth that have to be removed because they cannot be restored by other treatments. Tooth extraction is typically the last resort that dentists go to.

Other reasons people get dental implants include:

• To avoid wearing removable dentures.
• To improve oral health and quality of life.
• To restore functions similar to natural teeth, such as the ability to chew food and enunciate during speaking.
• To stimulate bone and prevent bone loss, which helps maintain natural teeth and facial contours.

What Benefits Do Natural Teeth Have?

In most cases, restoring natural teeth is the best course of action. Your natural teeth offer several benefits over implanted ones.

• Natural teeth heal faster from damage and infection. Blood flow is better around these teeth than implanted ones.
• They have a suspension system: the periodontal ligament. These ligaments help absorb and distribute the impact pressure when we chew.
• They have nerves that are part of your mouth’s early warning system. If your teeth detect that an object is too hard, hot, or cold, they’ll give your gums feedback so you can stop biting.

If at all possible, your dentist wants to preserve the natural functions of your teeth, allowing you to feel, heal, and avoid injury.

Are There Other Factors to Consider?

There may be other things to consider beyond simply wanting to have a procedure done. For instance, why do you feel like you need to have your teeth removed if they are healthy?

This is a big question that must be contended with before a final decision is made. Perhaps you feel like the maintenance of your teeth takes too much time. Maybe you’ve struggled with caring for your teeth for years and they just seem to get worse.

If this is your thinking, know that dental implants won’t take you “off the hook” as far as maintenance goes, you’ll still need to brush and floss as if you had a regular tooth.

Whatever your reasons, your first step should be to consult with your dentist. If you have some concerns about your oral health that you can’t resolve on your own, they may be able to answer them for you.

It’s important to remember that your dentist is in your corner. They want to see your oral health improve and they are invested in your well-being. If they can save your teeth another way, they will. If you both decide implants are the best way forward, then you can make that decision with confidence.

About the Author

Scotch Plains Fanwood Dental Care’s mission is to provide top-quality dental care in a welcoming environment. Their patient-focused approach ensures personalized care to meet your unique needs. With cutting-edge technology and a commitment to excellence, they prioritize your oral health and overall well-being. To schedule a dental implant consultation, call (908) 322-3222 or visit the website to explore other services.