Most people don’t stop and think about just how essential our teeth are when it comes to living well. Alongside allowing us to smile and eat our favorite meals, our teeth also play a role in our body’s ability to digest food properly and communicate. So, when our teeth have been extracted, it is important to speak with a dentist near you about restorative treatment options.
Our dental practice provides tooth extractions in Millwoods and follow-up services that can be customized to satisfy each patient’s unique requirements. If you’d like to gather more information, please get in touch today.
Understanding Tooth Extractions
Depending on the case, your dentist may recommend undergoing one of two dental extractions: simple or complex.
A simple tooth extraction is a fairly common procedure and does not require any surgical measures. It is performed on teeth that have fully erupted above the gums and are not blocked by debris. Before the extraction, your mouth is thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia. A pair of dental forceps is utilized to loosen the tooth as well as remove it.
Complex extractions require more inverse methods. Wisdom tooth extraction is the most well-known type of complex removal. Patients might be referred to an oral surgeon if they require more advanced care. Teeth that require a complex extraction are those that are impacted or haven’t fully pushed through the gum line. In this case, any debris must be cleared away, and a few incisions are made into your tissue to access the unhealthy tooth. If needed, your tooth may be divided into smaller components so it’s easier to remove.
Your dentist will see to it that you’re at ease and comfortable, from beginning to end and will answer any questions you have. You won’t be put to sleep during the procedure, but sedation dentistry treatments are available for patients who suffer from anxiety.
Reasons to Replace an Extracted Tooth
Once your tooth is gone, your dentist will discuss restoration options with you. Even though this may not seem like a necessity, replacing your extracted tooth with a customized prosthetic is an important step if you wish to preserve your smile. Here are the reasons why:
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Digestion
Your teeth break down all your food into small, easily digestible pieces. When you’re missing teeth, this becomes more difficult, and your body cannot properly absorb the nutrients and minerals. Not only can this lead to indigestion, but if it occurs for a long period, malnutrition.
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Speaking
Missing teeth can cause issues speaking, such as pronouncing certain words. As a result, this can impact one’s ability to express themselves clearly, affecting their self-confidence.
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Changes to Your Bite
Alongside digestion, missing teeth automatically change your natural bite pattern. Your remaining teeth can eventually start to shift to fill in the space that’s left behind. Additionally, the forces exerted on your teeth are not evenly distributed when you bite down and chew, leading to fragmentation, jaw pain, TMJ disorder, and headaches.
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Jawbone Shrinkage
Our teeth constantly stimulate our jawbone, which keeps it healthy and functional. When our teeth are missing, our jaw undergoes a process called reabsorption. This is when the bone starts to shrink, becoming weaker. As a result, broken jawbones and fractures are much more likely.
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Cavity Prevention
Replacing missing teeth significantly decreases the chances of cavities and infections arising. It becomes harder for plaque and tartar to gather, which also makes the process of brushing and flossing your smile much easier, and gum disease is avoided.
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Aesthetics
While it is not mandatory to replace an extracted tooth, many people are eager to acquire a restoration of some kind to improve the appearance of their smile. Gaps can cause self-consciousness, and everyone deserves to feel their best. There are a number of options that you can choose from, depending on your budget, preferences, and what your dentist in Millwoods recommends.
Restoration Options
If you are worried that there is not a suitable choice of prosthetic that will meet your requirements, there’s no need! Talk to your dentist; they can present all the available options for you, including:
- Implants: Implants are highly regarded and frequently recommended because this treatment is very reliable. The process entails installing a screw inside your jaw and topping it with a dental crown. Not only do you acquire a new (yet false) tooth root, but the crown blends in with your healthy teeth seamlessly.
- Bridges: Dental bridges are another popular alternative and are more affordable than implants. They are customized to satisfy your oral dimensions. The general structure of a bridge consists of an artificial tooth placed in the gap and two crowns attached to your adjacent teeth to keep it in position.
- Dentures: Dentures can be complete or partial. Spaces left by one or a couple teeth are remedied by partial dentures. Patients with no natural teeth remaining are given complete or full dentures. They are customized to fit securely in your mouth.
Each option is designed to give you back your ability to perform daily tasks without pain, discomfort, or embarrassment. Although some may not want to do this because of expenses, this is an important step in preserving and safeguarding your oral health now and in the future. If you’re unsure about anything, always take the time to consult with your dentist. They can help you make the best decision that will provide the most optimal outcome.
Agape Dental Clinic: Your Restorative Dentistry Partner
For more information on tooth extractions near you, you’re invited to come into our local dental clinic today and speak with a member of our team. Your oral health matters to us, and we will do all we can to ensure your dental journey is smooth and effective. Please call us to set up a time to come in.
See you soon!
