Dental implants are considered the best form of tooth replacement because they look and work just like real teeth, but healthy real teeth are always the better option. Unfortunately, there have been some recent cases of people having healthy teeth removed and replacing them with dental implants. Some dental professionals have expressed concern over patients being recommended extractions and dental implants when treatments like veneers, fillings, bridges, or root canals could have addressed their concerns. Here’s why you shouldn’t want to replace healthy teeth with dental implants.
Dental Implants Are Not Better Than Real Teeth
Dental implants are made out of porcelain and titanium which renders them immune to tooth decay, and the artificial teeth can be simply unscrewed and replaced if they become chipped. While this might make it sound like dental implants are superior to natural teeth, they can only restore about 80% of the patient’s biting force. While this is a significant improvement over what patients could have with bridges or dentures, that missing 20% makes dental implants a downgrade from natural teeth. It is not advisable to replace healthy teeth with implants for cosmetic purposes.
How Can I Keep My Natural Teeth Healthy?
It’s always ideal to keep your natural teeth if you can, and dental science has developed a variety of ways to help you keep them healthy and strong for life. A few excellent ways to keep your natural pearly whites in shape include:
- Practicing excellent oral hygiene: You should brush, floss, and rinse with antibacterial mouthwash every day. This will eliminate food debris and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other infections.
- Seeing your dentist regularly: The American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist twice a year or more if recommended. This will allow your teeth to receive professional attention that can correct problems in their early stages and provide you with valuable dental hygiene advice.
- Avoiding sugar: Sugar is the perfect food for the harmful bacteria that cause oral infections. Limit your consumption of candy, soda, starchy snacks, and the like.
While dental implants are an excellent way to replace missing teeth, real teeth are the best way to go. If a dentist recommends pulling and replacing more teeth than seems necessary, consider getting a second opinion.
About the Practice
Midtown Family Dentistry of Dallas provides the most excellent dental health care available in Dallas, TX. Led by Drs. Koo, Arnold, Stroud, Ludlow, and Patel, the experienced staff delivers stellar customer service experiences in a warm and relaxing environment. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry in addition to dental implant treatments. To discuss whether dental implants are necessary for you, contact the office online or dial (469) 529-6016.