Tooth Talk: Can I Replace Healthy Teeth with Dental Implants?

If you’ve heard about the many benefits of dental implants, you might start to wonder if they’re a better option than your natural teeth. There’s been an increasing trend in which patients are seeking dental implants to enhance their smile, especially if they have flaws. In other instances, this procedure was recommended for patients who may not need it.

If you’re wondering whether it’s a good idea to replace your pearly whites with dental implants, keep reading to learn more!

What Exactly Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are considered by many experts to be the pinnacle of tooth restoration. They are the only option that includes a titanium rod that’s surgically inserted into your jawbone and eventually fuses with it through a process called osseointegration. Every time you bite down to chew, it activates your jaw to prevent the deterioration that happens after tooth loss.

It also means that dental implants are thought to be the sturdiest method of replacing missing teeth. They stand alone on their own and don’t require dental crowns or metal clamps to remain in place.

Why Do People Want to Replace Healthy Teeth with Dental Implants?

Did you know that people with dental problems are more likely to report feelings of depression and unworthiness, as well as a lack of desire for social engagement? If your teeth are yellowed, broken, or crooked, you might want to have them removed and replaced with dental implants. It could boost your self-confidence so that you feel more able to smile in public places. Plus, if the support rod functions like the root of a tooth, it’s just as durable as the real thing, right?

Unfortunately, that’s not entirely true. Your natural teeth are protected by enamel, which is the strongest substance in the human body. Dental implants are usually made of porcelain which, though resilient, can chip or break if you bite something too hard or crunchy. Your dentist therefore will likely suggest appropriate solutions, like dental cosmetic services, to enhance your appearance instead of pulling perfectly healthy teeth.

Do I Need a Second Opinion?

There’s also some concern that patients have been recommended dental implants when other restorative procedures, like dental crowns or bonding, would sufficiently repair any damage. Some dentists may not have given their patients any other options than costly extractions followed by dental implants.

If you’re worried this has happened to you, you may want to find a dentist you can trust who will put your oral health above their profits. Most providers will do everything they can to preserve your natural teeth and will only recommend dental implants if they’re necessary for your dental well-being. For example, if you have a tooth that’s too decayed to repair, your dentist might need to remove it and replace it with a dental implant.

If you’re unhappy with your smile, ask your dentist what options they have that can help. That way, you can safely upgrade your grin without losing perfectly healthy teeth!

About the Author

Dr. Vrajesh Shah has more than 2 decades of experience helping patients improve their dental condition by repairing and rebuilding their teeth. He began his dental training in India where he graduated from the Government Dental College and Hospital in Jamnagar. After he immigrated to the U.S., he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the New York University College of Dentistry, where he went on to receive his Prosthodontic training. Now, he combines his experience with state-of-the-art technology to provide patients with comfortable, precise treatments they can trust, including dental implants. If you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to request one on the website or by calling (732) 943-1709.