Should You Have Healthy Teeth Replaced with Dental Implants?

Are you suffering from multiple oral health issues? If you have tooth decay or gum disease, you may be sick of your smile and want to have your problematic pearly whites removed altogether. After all, dental implants can restore a natural-looking and fully functioning grin – so what’s the problem? Well, having natural teeth replaced with implants is strongly discouraged unless it’s absolutely necessary. Read on to find out why that is!

Are Dentists Pulling Healthy Teeth for Dental Implants?

In 2021, there was a noticeable increase in the number of patients scheduling consultations after being encouraged to remove viable teeth to replace them with dental implants. An investigation was launched, and it was discovered that patients were not provided options to preserve their natural teeth, such as veneers, fillings, root canals, or bridges.

It’s believed that these dentists are only recommending implants to make complicated cases easier to treat. Although you may think implants are better than a normal tooth, that’s not the case at all. If it’s at all possible to save a tooth, that’s what should be done.

When Do Teeth Have to Be Removed?

The American Academy of Periodontology advises against removing healthy teeth and replacing them with implants for cosmetic purposes. Extraction should only be considered when it’s the best, or only, option. Some factors that play a role in the decision to remove certain teeth include:

• Advanced bone loss resulting in loose teeth
• Fractured teeth that cannot be restored
• Trauma which results in the loss of a tooth or teeth
• Presence of a disease that cannot be resolved

Why Repair Is Usually the Best Option

If you’re thinking of having all your healthy teeth removed just because it seems easier, you should not move forward with it. Fixing the problem and keeping as much natural healthy structure as possible is always the best option. Repairing a damaged or decayed tooth is strongly recommended over an extraction. You can preserve your smile with the help of treatments like fillings, dental crowns, and root canal therapy.

Not only are your natural teeth stronger and more functional than synthetic ones, but they help prevent movement of the surrounding teeth. Plus, extracting a tooth puts you at risk of a dry socket, which is when the blood clot that forms in the empty space becomes dislodged. Even if you decide to fill the gap with an implant or bridge, the entire process will cost you plenty of time, money, and discomfort.

Have a tooth that needs attention? Make sure you discuss all of your options with your dentist! If you must have a tooth extracted, be sure to ask about replacement methods and get a second opinion to confirm it’s the right choice for your oral health.  

About the Practice

At Village Dental, we always treat our patients like an extension of our family. Our team goes above and beyond to ensure you have the best dental experience possible! Not only will provide full transparency at every appointment, but we’ll make sure you’re well-informed on the services you’re seeking. If you’d like to learn more about dental implants or get a second opinion, visit our website or call (775) 827-1113.