Natural teeth are anchored firmly to the jawbone and gums, connected to living nerves that transmit intricate sensory feedback about the texture and temperature of food. They also play a critical role in distributing chewing forces evenly across the jaw, supporting bone health. Dental implants, while the closest approximation to natural teeth, are ultimately artificial structures. They may lack the nuanced sensory capabilities of natural teeth, can be more vulnerable to external trauma, and, if oral hygiene is neglected, carry the risk of peri-implant gum disease over time.
Beyond their mechanical function in chewing, teeth contribute to clear speech, maintain facial structure and contours, and support digestive health and overall well-being. Tooth loss can destabilize the oral framework, causing adjacent teeth to shift into empty spaces or leading to resorption of the jawbone. Consequently, when faced with conditions like cavities or gum disease, the first course of action should be to explore treatments such as root canal therapy, restorative care, or periodontal treatment to save the tooth rather than resorting to extraction.
In cases where a tooth is too severely damaged to function, implants offer a robust alternative. However, the overarching goal of dental care is to maintain the health and longevity of natural teeth. Clinicians emphasize that efforts to preserve natural teeth yield the best long-term outcomes.
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
