Many experts feel that dental implants are the ideal way to rebuild your smile after losing one or more teeth because of their unique benefits. They’re the only replacements that are inserted directly into your jawbone which makes them a durable standalone structure. Plus, they stimulate your jawbone every time you bite or chew which prevents bone loss and changes to your facial structure.
Although they’re highly advantageous for those suffering from gaps in their grin, dentists are seeing an influx of patients wanting to replace still-viable teeth this way. If you’re wondering whether it’s better to have dental implants than your natural pearly whites, keep reading to learn more about it!
Why Do People Want to Replace Viable Teeth?
Dentists have reported that over the past decade, more people have been asking about dental implants when they don’t need them. In some cases, there are aesthetic issues that they want to address, like chipped, cracked, or overly discolored teeth. Most times, your dentist can provide cosmetic services to manage these problems instead of replacing your tooth altogether. Whether you want whitening treatments or direct bonding to hide flaws, there are several ways they can enhance your appearance.
Other times, patients were recommended tooth extractions instead of other restorative services to save their teeth. For example, they may not be offered a root canal for an infected tooth that could potentially preserve it. It’s not common for dentists to recommend treatments that you don’t need, so the concern is that some may have pushed dental implants for monetary purposes.
Are Dental Implants Better Than Teeth?
If your provider has let you know that you need a dental implant, you might not think twice if you assume they’re stronger than your natural teeth. Some people may even go so far as to replace pearly whites that could otherwise be preserved if they think artificial ones are an improvement. It’s often believed that because restorations can’t get cavities they must be the healthier option.
The truth is that when it comes to your teeth, no man-made creation is quite as good as the real thing because they always come with some amount of risk. Although they don’t decay, harmful bacteria can penetrate underneath your gumline and cause disease and infection at the implant site. If left unaddressed, it could progress into your jawbone and result in additional tooth loss.
That’s why most dentists prefer a more conservative approach and will try other remedies first, like fillings and root canals, that allow you to keep your teeth. They usually only recommend extraction and replacement if the tooth is too damaged to be repaired.
If you’re not sure whether you really need a tooth extraction and want a second opinion, why not find a dentist you can trust and schedule an appointment? They’ll be able to examine your mouth and give you their insight on the best ways to improve your dental health!
About the Author
Dr. Sam Antoon has more than 3 decades of experience helping patients build happy, healthy smiles meant to last. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology before achieving his dental doctorate at South Illinois University’s School of Dental Medicine. Now, he offers a wide array of services under one roof for people of all ages. You can trust that you and your family are getting top-quality care using state-of-the-art equipment in a comfortable setting. If you’ve been told you need dental implants but want a second opinion, you’re welcome to request a consultation on the website or by calling (972) 640-6229.