When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants continue to be the gold standard. They restore the entire dental structure, from the root up, which other options can’t do! But does this mean you should get rid of your healthy, natural teeth for this treatment? Continue reading why this may not be the best for your oral health and how you can tell when it’s time to consider this service.
Why Shouldn’t I Replace My Healthy Teeth?
Even though dentistry continues to evolve and get better, nothing can truly compare to natural teeth. A healthy homegrown smile is always superior, as it can help you do a lot of things.
Aside from keeping your grin full, they keep your jawbone strong. Every time you bite and chew (which can be hard to do with missing teeth), that pressure gets sent down to the root and into your jaw. Your body takes this signal and continues to supply the needed nutrients.
If you have healthy, natural teeth, then dental implants still aren’t a one-to-one replacement. That means other options, like dentures or bridges, may not be as comfortable as well. Instead, relish in your homegrown smile and work to keep it strong!
When Should a Tooth Be Replaced?
You should always do your best in preserving your natural dental structure. By visiting your dentist right away when your smile is harmed, you increase your odds of getting a treatment that uses your homegrown tooth as a base. A filling, crown, or root canal can get rid of the problem, while keeping your smile intact.
However, there are some cases where getting a dental implant is best. This is often when your natural tooth is unsalvageable from whatever is causing trouble. There are many scenarios, such as severe damage, decay, infection, looseness, and other similar ones. Saving your tooth from these situations may cause harsh complications, so an extraction may be best. Then, replacing it with this gold standard can help protect your smile afterward.
What Can I Do to Avoid Needing a Tooth Replacement
In the end, if you have healthy teeth, then you shouldn’t get rid of them for dental implants. Instead, get this treatment when it makes sense for your oral health. Your dentist can help you find out when the time is right, but this doesn’t mean you don’t need to take care of your smile! Here are some easy ways to keep your homegrown smile strong:
- Brush twice a day and floss at least once to remove any bacteria and plaque that spell trouble.
- Limit sugary foods and stick to a balanced diet. That way, you keep your mouth healthy, but also the rest of your body!
- Break bad oral habits. Smoking, grinding or clenching your teeth, and using them as tools can cause damage.
- Visit your dentist regularly! That way, they can treat any dental problems while they are minor and help you keep your natural grin strong for a lifetime.
About the Author
Dr. Fred Fox earned his dental degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is here to help the Jacksonville Beach community feel their best about their teeth. Whether that is through preventive care or replacing them with dental implants. Dr. Fox can place this treatment in-house, so you stay with him and his team every step of the way. If you want to keep your smile problem-free, schedule an appointment or call his office at (904) 853-6888.