Why You Should NOT Replace Healthy Teeth with Dental Implants

Dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement option for those who need them. If you have dental gaps or pearly whites that are no longer viable, then a dental implant restoration will restore your oral health and support your smile for years to come. But if your teeth are perfectly healthy…then you should probably consider other treatment options! Here’s why.

Natural Teeth are The Best Teeth

Make no mistake, dental implants can restore a significant amount of your bite power – if it was compromised to begin with. Even these highly advanced replacements aren’t as strong, durable, or reliable as natural teeth. When experts say dental implants retain 80% of your chewing ability, they mean that compared to natural teeth, implants are almost but not quite as powerful.

Dental Implants are An Investment

And not just in terms of money. If you were to replace healthy pearly whites with dental implants, your treatment timeline would look something like this:

1. Extraction of natural teeth (1 appointment)
2. Recovery from extraction (1 – 2 weeks)
3. Gum grafting, gum disease therapy, or cavity treatment, if necessary
4. Dental implant surgery (1 appointment)
5. Waiting for the implant to fuse with your jawbone (3 – 6 months)
6. Receiving your final restoration (1 appointment)

Natural teeth that aren’t experiencing any oral conditions, on the other hand, come to you free and immediately ready to use.

Other Options Might Better Suit Your Needs

Why do you want to change your perfectly healthy teeth? Is it because they’re not as white as they used to be? Or maybe because there’s a crack or two on the surface? If you’re primarily concerned about the aesthetics of your smile, then cosmetic dentistry solutions would likely suit your needs better than dental implant replacements. Teeth whitening, direct bonding, and other such treatments help you achieve your dream look without altering the natural structure of your teeth.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your smile, be sure to talk to your dentist. They’ll help you build your best-fit treatment plan!

About the Author

Dr. Jacob Milner has advanced training in many complex dental treatments, including dental implant restorations. He enjoys working with patients of all ages, and makes it a point to personalize their treatment plans so they leave the office feeling satisfied and confident with their smiles. To find the best treatment option for you and your pearly whites, contact Dr. Milner’s office at 410-390-0277.