Ask any dental professional, and they will probably tell you that dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. Some people, though, are interested in replacing the teeth that are still in their mouth. Is it possible to replace healthy teeth with dental implants? This blog post provides important information.
Why Do People Want to Replace Their Natural Teeth?
There are a few reasons why patients might want to replace their existing teeth:
- They know they are genetically predisposed to certain dental problems, and they want to replace their teeth before they start to cause painful issues.
- Their natural teeth are weak, damaged, unattractive, or have other issues that affect their ability to chew comfortably and smile confidently.
- A dentist has recommended that the patient replace their existing teeth.
It Is Better To Keep Your Natural Teeth
While the above-mentioned reasons for replacing teeth with dental implants may seem reasonable at a glance, it is important to keep some key facts in mind:
- In many cases, patients who are predisposed to certain problems can prevent those issues if they take proper preventative measures. A general dentist can provide guidance on how to accomplish that.
- Often, it is possible to repair teeth. For example, root canal therapy and a crown can restore even some severely damaged teeth and allow them to function well for many decades.
- A small percentage of dentists might recommend extracting and replacing teeth because repairing those teeth would be complex or time-consuming. Their primary motivation could be money. It is always okay to seek a second opinion if you have doubts about a treatment recommendation.
- While dental implants are remarkable, they fall short of natural teeth in a few ways. For example, they do not have any feeling. Also, when you floss them, you might break the seal around them and increase your risk of infections.
When Is It a Good Idea to Extract and Replace Your Natural Teeth?
Of course, there are some cases where it is a good idea to extract and replace your natural teeth. This is true if your teeth are damaged beyond repair. It is also true if gum disease has caused your teeth to become loose. After your teeth are removed and the gum disease is under control, dental implants can rebuild your smile.
Don’t be too eager to replace your natural teeth! Carefully evaluate the situation, ask your dentist lots of questions, and seek a second opinion if necessary.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Steve Koo and William Shepard proudly provide gentle tooth extractions and dental implant services in our Katy, TX, office. If you are wondering if you should replace your remaining natural teeth, we would be happy to consult with you. Contact our team at 832-353-1100.