Implants vs. Natural Teeth: Should We Just Pull It? — What I Tell My Patients

Hello,

I’m Lee Juri, Chief Director of Seoul Bardi Dental Clinic.

Patients who have already undergone repeated treatment and are tired from repeated dental visits naturally start thinking this way.

"Wouldn’t it be easier to just get an implant...?"

Implants vs. Natural Teeth: Should We Just Pull It? — What I Tell My Patients

I spend more time in the treatment room than at home. This is something I’m writing because I really want to let patients who feel like family know.

Today, I’ll explain the differences between natural teeth and implants from the patient’s perspective, sharing only the key points you really need to know.

Saving natural teeth Why is it good to keep my own teeth? One of the terms you often see when looking for dental care is "saving natural teeth."

With implant treatment available to replace missing teeth, what is so good about natural teeth?

First, the chewing sensation is different.

An implant places an artificial screw directly into the bone.

Natural teeth have something called the periodontal ligament around the tooth root.

Through this ligament, chewing force and pressure are sensed and transmitted to the brain.

Because of this, the sensation is much more delicate.

Most patients use them without any problems, but some patients say the chewing sensation feels different from that of natural teeth.

Second, the lifespan is different.

Natural teeth can last a lifetime if they are in good condition.

Of course, that is on the assumption that you take good care of them very carefully.

By contrast, implants have a lifespan.

People often think they are invincible, but on average, I tell patients they last about 8–10 years.

In particular, if the gum bone resorbs or if "peri-implantitis" develops, the lifespan can be shortened.

231110 Debris has stuck to the implant prosthesis

Since it is an artificial prosthesis, debris can stick to it more easily than to natural teeth.

In terms of maintenance, both natural teeth and implants require regular checkups and proper oral hygiene,

but it is true that implants generally have a shorter lifespan than natural teeth.

Third, the treatment stages are different.

When a problem occurs with a natural tooth, there are treatment stages.

For example, there are next steps such as resin -> inlay -> crown,

and treatment is carried out with the goal of saving the tooth as much as possible.

However, implants do not have a next stage.

If a problem occurs due to peri-implantitis or similar issues,

the extent of treatment may require removing the implant that was placed and re-implanting it.

I compared implants vs. natural teeth from three perspectives.

I completely understand how frustrating it is for patients who have to keep visiting the dentist for treatment.

However.. Once a natural tooth is extracted, it does not come back.

Preserving what you were born with is the best.

Natural teeth are the most ideal teeth in terms of sensation and function.

Implants are an excellent replacement, but they cannot replace natural teeth.

These days, implants are often seen as a cure-all, and I wrote this because I wanted to share information with patients who feel like family.

To the patients who thought, “I’ll just pull it...,” I sincerely hope this was helpful.

Thank you.

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