Dental implants might be one of the tooth replacement options you’re considering if you have missing teeth that you need to replace. They’re functional, natural-looking, and excel where traditional restorations fall short. That said, if you have healthy teeth, you might be wondering if a dental implant is technically an upgrade. Here’s more about how dental implants replace missing but why it’s still better to retain your healthy, existing pearly whites when possible.
How Do Dental Implants Replace Teeth?
Dental implants are small, titanium posts that are surgically placed into a patient’s jawbone beneath the gumline, where they take on the roots of the missing teeth. The implant is topped with a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture that matches the shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth.
Since titanium is biocompatible, the implant can fuse with your jaw tissue and become a sturdy, subtle replacement for your missing teeth. They can be used for any number of lost teeth in one or both arches, and with the right care, they can last for decades or even a lifetime. On top of this, they can also prevent the bone loss that occurs following tooth loss—a unique and incredibly important benefit for long-term oral health!
Can Healthy Teeth Be Replaced by Dental Implants?
As incredible as dental implants are, the truth is, they are still not as good as your natural teeth—provided they are healthy! This means that you shouldn’t replace your existing teeth with dental implants unless your dentist deems it necessary. Simply put, nothing can replace the strength and versatility of your natural teeth or the feedback provided by them interacting with your periodontal ligament, not to mention keeping them healthy and avoiding the need for surgery is always a plus.
It’s important to keep in mind that teeth that are damaged, decayed, or otherwise compromised can also usually be restored and made to look and function perfectly without needing to be replaced; extraction is always a last resort.
Dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement for a good reason, but at the end of the day, it’s still best to prioritize taking care of the teeth you were born with. That said, if the need to replace one (or more) arises, you can trust that dental implants are a superior solution.
About the Practice
Our team here at Texas Dental Surgery has proudly served the needs of patients in Prosper and the surrounding communities for several years, offering a wide variety of restorative services, including dental implants placed in-house by Dr. Sammy Houari and Dr. Stephen Walker. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (469) 296-8680.