[Hinews] In the field of dentistry, the guiding principle remains clear: preserve natural teeth whenever possible. Although dental implants and prosthetic technologies have advanced considerably, the unique value of natural teeth—integral parts of the human body—remains unmatched by any artificial substitute.

Natural teeth are firmly anchored to the jawbone and gums, with living nerves that provide detailed sensory feedback on food texture and temperature. 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. Implants lack the nuanced sensory capabilities of natural teeth, may be more vulnerable to trauma, and can lead to peri-implant gum disease if oral hygiene is neglected.

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 destabilizes the oral structure, often causing adjacent teeth to shift into empty spaces and leading to jawbone resorption. Therefore, when conditions such as cavities or gum disease occur, the priority should be treatments like root canal therapy, restorative care, or periodontal therapy to preserve the tooth before considering 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.

Yongtae Jung, director of Asan Jungplant Dental Clinic, observes, “As dental technologies become increasingly sophisticated, some patients overlook the importance of their natural teeth. Until regenerative or bioengineering technologies are developed, no prosthetic can fully replicate the function of natural teeth. Preservation should always be the priority. When implants are necessary, treatment must be carefully planned based on the patient’s condition, using precise diagnostic tools and extensive clinical experience.”