Although there are several potential ways to replace missing teeth, dental implants are considered by many to be the ideal solution. Unlike dental bridges and dentures, they include a titanium rod that’s embedded into your jawbone for added strength and stability.
Because these restorations have a reputation for being so durable and lifelike, some patients wonder whether they can replace still-viable teeth for aesthetic reasons. Continue reading to learn more about why it’s not usually recommended!
What are Dental Implants?
These teeth are unique because they are surgically placed directly into your jaw, so they function as sturdy standalone structures. Once the metal rod is in position, it can take three to six months to heal before the tooth-shaped cap can be situated on top of it. That’s usually how long it takes for your jaw to produce enough new bone material to fuse with the metal in a process called osseointegration. Once that’s complete, your new tooth is essentially a permanent part of your mouth.
A single dental implant is topped with a dental crown to rebuild your grin’s appearance and functionality, or two or more can be used to hold specially designed bridges or dentures to fill in wider spaces or rebuild entire arches as needed. These restorations are usually made from durable ceramic that can be customized to match your natural smile for seamless results.
Are Dental Implants Better than Natural Teeth?
These restorations have developed a reputation for being just as strong as natural teeth, leading some patients who are frustrated with cosmetic concerns to wonder whether they should replace their troublesome teeth with dental implants.
Although these prosthetics have an incredibly high success rate of more than 90%, it’s generally better for your dental health to repair and maintain your natural pearly whites. This is partly because invasive procedures, like tooth extractions and oral surgery, come with certain risks, like infections that can impact your remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone. As a result, removals are usually recommended as a last resort when other treatments, like tooth-colored fillings, root canals, and dental crowns, can’t repair them effectively.
Can I Replace Healthy Teeth with Dental Implants?
Issues like stubborn stains, chips, cracks, or somewhat misshapen teeth can make you self-conscious about your appearance, and it’s understandable to want to upgrade your grin. However, there are ways to achieve your goals without removing still-functioning chompers.
For example, your provider can place tooth-colored composite resin on your enamel or fit you with resilient porcelain veneers to hide damaged or discolored enamel or give the appearance of perfectly even teeth.
If you’re unsure of the best solution to address the concerns you have with your smile, your dentist will gladly provide treatment recommendations during your consultation!
About the Practice
At Jones & Knight DDS, you and your family benefit from two dentists who collaborate to offer a complete menu of services to people of all ages at two conveniently located offices. Dr. Troy Jones and Dr. George Knight share several decades of experience and can help with everything from preventive care to more complex procedures, including dental implants. They have specialized training and advanced technology to place and restore your new teeth in the office, so you don’t have to seek an outside oral surgeon to complete your procedure. They use durable materials that can be customized to look like your natural teeth and gums for seamless results. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling one of their state-of-the-art locations.