My Natural Teeth Are a Lot of Work; Can I Replace Them with Dental Implants?

Modern dental implants are considered the best way to replace lost teeth because they look, feel, and function just like the real thing. However, some individuals may wonder if it would be wise to replace their healthy natural pearly whites with implants to address cosmetic defects or other matters of preference. Here’s a brief guide to why it’s best to keep your natural teeth if possible as well as an overview of a few cosmetic treatments your dentist can provide.

Why Shouldn’t I Replace My Healthy Teeth with Dental Implants?

While dental implants are incredibly lifelike in appearance and function, they cannot match all the benefits that come with healthy natural teeth. For example, natural teeth are anchored in the jaw with connective tissue that sends sensory information to the brain during the hygiene process. While flossing too deeply into the gum tissue around a dental implant can compromise your restoration and set it up for infection, the sinew holding a natural tooth in place will send discomfort signals to the brain if this happens, which will alert you to the problem so you can desist.

Natural teeth are supported by the mouth’s cementum, which allows them to move organically during the chewing process. Since dental implants are supported directly by the jawbone, they may not be able to perfectly replicate your mouth’s natural chewing motion. Dental implants only restore about 80% of the patient’s original chewing power, so natural teeth are far preferable if they can be preserved.

How Can My Dentist Address My Cosmetic Concerns?

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile, your dentist can help in a variety of ways such as:

• Veneers: These devices can be placed in as few as two appointments, and they can transform a smile into a beautiful new state by concealing even extensive defects such as chips, gaps, stains, cracks, and misshapenness.
• Dental bonding: This noninvasive and painless procedure can be a great solution for minor chips, cracks, gaps, and stains.
• Teeth whitening: Your dentist can lift stubborn dental stains and discoloration with an in-office procedure that takes about an hour or a take-home kit that can be completed in about two weeks.

Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth in many cases. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best method for restoring your lost pearly whites or beautify your existing ones.

About the Author

Dr. Jason Aptaker earned his dental degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed his General Practice Residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. He is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and attends monthly continuing education seminars. His office in Manasquan offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To book your dental implant consultation, contact his practice online or dial (732) 223-9199.