When researching dental implants online, you’re likely to find plenty of dentists singing their praises thanks to the many unique advantages they offer. But while dental implants can be a great option for filling in gaps in your smile, could you also use them to replace teeth that are currently in good health? Here’s what you need to know to make the right decision for your smile.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants can function like your normal teeth due to the way they’re placed in your mouth. The implant posts will be surgically inserted into your jaw, allowing them to act as sturdy artificial roots for a prosthesis such as a crown, a bridge, or a denture. The implant posts prevent your replacement teeth from slipping at awkward moments and provide enough chewing power to allow you to eat most foods.
Should Healthy Teeth Be Replaced with Dental Implants?
Nowadays, more and more people are asking about having healthy teeth replaced by dental implants. The thought process behind this may be the notion that dental implants are better than real teeth, especially since you don’t have to worry about them developing cavities.
However, the fact of the matter is that keeping your natural teeth when possible is always the best option for your oral health. On top of that, no replacement option will feel as comfortable as your real teeth. And of course, there’s also the fact that getting dental implants is quite costly; maintaining your natural smile is by far the less expensive option.
So When are Dental Implants the Best Choice for Your Smile?
Simply put, you should only consider dental implants if your dentist has already determined that your natural teeth cannot be saved. Here are some examples of situations where dental implants could be a viable solution:
- Your tooth has a severe infection and is beyond the point where it could be saved with a root canal.
- Your tooth was badly broken or otherwise injured in an accident, and there’s not enough healthy dental structure left for a crown or another type of restoration.
- Your tooth has already been knocked out of your mouth, and your dentist was not able to reimplant it.
In short, you should not seek dental implant treatment if you don’t actually need it. But if a tooth is already lost or past the point of no return, then dental implants are definitely worth considering. If you think dental implants could be the solution to the gaps in your smile, schedule a consultation with your dentist today.
About the Author
Dr. Biju Cyriac has nearly 30 years of dental experience. He has completed advanced courses in surgical placement and restoration of dental implants, and he has successfully placed more than 2000 implants in 14 years. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cyriac at York Smile Care, visit his website or call (717) 741-0893.