Dental implants have become a popular option for replacing missing teeth, so can they replace teeth that aren’t missing? What if you have healthy teeth that you simply don’t like? Can you have them removed and replaced with dental implants? Possible? Yes, but keep reading to learn why just because it’s possible doesn’t mean it’s necessarily advisable.
Natural Teeth Are Valuable
When a natural tooth is healthy, preserving it is generally the preferred approach of all dentists. Natural teeth are supported by a complex system of ligaments, bone, nerves, and surrounding tissues that work together when you bite and chew.
Dental implants can be an excellent replacement for missing teeth, but they don’t recreate every feature of a natural tooth. If your tooth is healthy and functional, there may be little clinical benefit to removing it simply because an implant is available.
When Are Dental Implants Appropriate?
Dental implants are primarily used to replace teeth that are already missing or cannot be predictably restored. A severely damaged tooth caused by extensive decay, trauma, infection, or other conditions may sometimes need to be extracted.
If the tooth cannot be saved, an implant may be considered after the extraction site has healed or, in some cases, as part of an immediate implant treatment plan.
Your dentist will evaluate the tooth and surrounding bone before determining whether extraction and replacement are appropriate.
What If I Don’t Like the Appearance of My Teeth?
That’s why they made cosmetic dentistry! If your concern is primarily cosmetic, removing healthy teeth isn’t usually the first solution. Depending on your goals, there may be less invasive options.
Teeth whitening can improve certain types of discoloration. Dental bonding can reshape some teeth or repair minor imperfections. Veneers may change the color, shape, or size of certain visible teeth. Orthodontic treatment or clear aligners can address some alignment concerns.
Your dentist can help identify an option that preserves as much healthy natural tooth structure as possible.
Implants Still Require Surgery
Dental implants are durable, but getting an implant involves oral surgery. The process may include extraction, bone grafting, implant placement, healing time, and placement of the final restoration.
Though in general they boast a high success rate, implants can also experience complications, including infection around the implant, bone loss, mechanical problems, or failure. They require regular professional care and good oral hygiene, just like natural teeth.
Dental implants can be an excellent solution when teeth are missing or cannot be saved. However, when you have healthy natural teeth, preserving them is generally worth considering before choosing extraction and implant replacement.
About the Practice
NU Dental of Barnegat proudly offers its patients comprehensive dental services carried out by experienced professionals in a modern, state-of-the-art facility. If it’s dental implants you’re interested in, our staff can ably conduct the entire procedure in-office using advanced planning technology. You can easily reach us online or by phone at (609) 879-0036.