More than 500,000 Americans every year are choosing dental implants to replace their missing teeth. A dental implant is unlike any other treatment because it mimics both the tooth root and the crown, providing the next best thing to a real tooth. Although dental implants offer exceptional benefits, it’s rarely a good idea to have healthy teeth extracted to enjoy their advantages. However, dentists may recommend replacing healthy teeth with dental implants under certain circumstances. Here’s when it might be best to extract your teeth.
Extracting Healthy Teeth
Every tooth is important for a healthy, beautiful smile. There’s nothing quite like your natural teeth, although dental implants come in as a close second. The American Academy of Periodontology advises against extracting healthy teeth to replace them with dental implants for cosmetic reasons. However, they support the extraction of teeth before dental implants for several reasons, including:
- Severe bone loss that has caused loose teeth.
- Fractured teeth that can’t be repaired.
- Presence of severe disease.
- To make room for implant dentures.
Only a trained dental professional can determine if removing healthy teeth is in your best interest. They’ll examine your mouth and learn more about your goals to create a personalized treatment plan.
Benefits of Dental Implants
If dental implants are the best solution for you, you’ll enjoy a variety of benefits when choosing the most advanced solution for tooth loss, including:
- High Success Rate: Dental implants have over a 95% success rate.
- Look and Feel Natural: As the only treatment to mimic the entire tooth structure, a dental implant looks and feels natural.
- Preserve the Jawbone: A dental implant can stimulate new bone growth to keep your jaw strong and healthy. This will preserve your facial structures and improve your dental health.
- Long-Lasting Results: Dental implants are proven to last for 30 years or longer with the correct care, like brushing and flossing.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Dental implants can last for decades, so you don’t need to budget for replacements often, like when using traditional tooth placement methods.
Your dentist will strive to preserve your natural teeth, but extractions can be beneficial for some patients. Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you have concerns about removing healthy teeth to get dental implants.
About Dr. Kostas
Dr. Kostas achieved his dental degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has continued his education to provide the most current dental solutions. He has earned Fellowship status with the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Implant Association. Dr. Kostas is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (781) 272-0441.
