Dental implants are the finest way to replace missing teeth. In addition to looking and working just like the real things, dental implants are immune to tooth decay and will never give a patient a toothache. This may make some people think that replacing their healthy teeth with dental implants may be a smart investment for their health and comfort. Here’s why healthy natural teeth are still preferable to dental implants and why you shouldn’t replace them unless it is necessary.
When Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?
Teeth are normally extracted because they are causing the patient unnecessary suffering, they are damaged beyond repair, or they have infections that can spread to other parts of the body. A few specific reasons why a tooth might need to be removed include:
- Advanced tooth decay
- The tooth is loose due to advanced gum disease
- The tooth is expected to fail soon
- A previous root canal was ineffective
- The tooth is fractured down to its roots
- Severe pain
- The mouth does not have enough room to accommodate the emerging wisdom teeth
- The mouth needs more room for orthodontic treatment
Why Shouldn’t I Have My Health Teeth Replaced?
The first reason why healthy teeth should not be replaced is because it does not make sense to remove and replace healthy tissues from the body. Even if your teeth are in rough shape, toothaches and gum disease can usually be addressed without tooth extraction. If you are worried about your smile’s appearance, you would be better off addressing these concerns with cosmetic dental treatments like veneers or teeth whitening. This will allow you to enjoy a more ideal smile without diminishing your natural grin.
Perhaps the biggest reason not to replace your healthy teeth is because, while dental implants are quite comfortable, they do not feel as natural as the real thing. If you think you may need to replace teeth with dental implants, the best thing to do is ask your dentist for their opinion.
About the Practice
Meadowvale Family Dentistry has delivered the finest dental services available in Mississauga, ON for over four decades. Led by Drs. Mayank Patel and Ka Biu Ip, the staff treats each patient with personalized attention while maintaining a clean and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as TMJ treatments and dental implant services. To schedule a consultation for dental implants, contact the office online or dial (905) 821-0011.