Can Implants Be an Alternative to Our Natural Teeth?
Can Implants Be an Alternative to Our Natural Teeth?
As a dentist, I have often heard the following statements in recent years:
“Ugh, my tooth’s gone bad! I couldn’t even make it to the dentist. Oh well, I’ll just get an implant if they pull it.”
“I’m so sick of dealing with these teeth. They keep rotting, and my gums bleed. I just want them all pulled and get implants instead.”
“So, what if they rot? There are implants anyway.”
“Do implants even need check-ups? They’re fake after all.”
“Once I get implants, all my problems will be over.”
“There’s no nerve in them, so they don’t hurt.”
So, what do you think? Can implants truly replace natural teeth? Are all problems solved
as soon as we receive an implant? Does that mean no more check-ups are needed? Do implants cause no pain simply because they are not “alive”? And is it possible to lose implants altogether? These are, of course, important questions – and there are equally important answers. As dentists, we are not only responsible for treating our patients but also for contributing to preventive dentistry through education and awareness.
Our teeth, the supporting tissues, and the gums are indispensable components of overall health.Therefore, we place the utmost importance on helping our patients preserve their natural teeth for as long as possible. Tooth extraction is always regarded as the very last treatment option. When a tooth develops caries, we treat it with a filling. If the caries has progressed further and the tooth is infected, we perform root canal treatment.
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Our ultimate goal is to
preserve the teeth and their
supporting tissues in theirnatural condition for as long
as possible.
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In cases of major structural loss or fracture, a crown may be necessary. Where there are malpositions or misalignments, orthodontic treatment may be indicated. Our goal is to preserve the teeth and their supporting tissues in their natural state as much as possible. When intervention is required, we follow the principle of minimally invasive
dentistry - that is, performing procedures with as little intervention and tissue damage as possible, in order to maintain oral and dental health. However, if tooth can no longer be saved, extraction becomes a therapeutic option. Leaving the resulting gap untreated can lead to numerous problems. For example, patients may avoid chewing on the affected side, the opposing tooth may supra-erupt into the space, and adjacent teeth may drift toward the gap. All of this can make future treatment significantly more complicated. To close the gap and restore function in the affected area, several treatment options are available. One option is to prepare crowns on the adjacent teeth and fabricate a bridge. Another option is to place an implant. As we can see, implants are not true replacements for natural teeth. They are simply one of the treatment modalities available when no other option remains. Yes, when teeth are extracted, implants can be placed. However, if they are not properly cared for, similar problems may occur: gum bleeding, inflammation, abscess, swelling, and even implant loss. Therefore, jus as we should have our natural teeth checked regularly – ideally every six months – we must also have regular check-ups for implants.The correct path to sustainable oral health is consistent daily oral hygiene combined with regular dental examinations.
Evrensel Oral and Dental Health Clinic: Remzi Oğuz Arık Mah., Kavaklıdere, Tunalı Hilmi Cd. Nr. 60, D. 6, Çankaya/Ankara
