You have options when it comes to tooth replacement after having an extraction. Because teeth have two main parts – what you see above the gums and the roots – both need to be addressed. The reason why it’s necessary to have both a tooth root and crown has more to do with functionality than looks, though.
Dental implants are a good choice for tooth replacement because they serve the function of a replacement tooth root. When a tooth is extracted, it leaves an empty spot in the mouth where there used to be a tooth root anchored in the bone. Over time, the remaining teeth begin to shift into open spot, and this causes more than just a less-than-perfect smile. As the teeth shift, it affects your bite, making it more difficult to chew.
Tooth roots also stimulate the bone beneath the gums, and without this root, the bone eventually starts to disintegrate. Without a tooth root or an implant underneath the gums, the jawbone continues to shrink, causing the appearance of premature aging and the possibility of losing adjacent teeth.
If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, whether through extraction or something else, you may be a candidate for dental implants. However, dental implants need healthy, thick bone for proper placement, because the powerful chewing action exerts pressure on the bone. If your bone can’t fully support the implant, surgery will likely fail. Without substantial bone to anchor the titanium dental implant, you will need a bone graft to restore it. Bone grafts create a more solid base for the implant. In the months following your bone graft procedure, it will take a few months for the transplanted or synthetic bone to grow strong enough to support an implant.
Tooth replacement is necessary after an extraction, and you have choices. Ultimately, how you decide to proceed will depend on your unique circumstances. At Austell Dental Associates, our compassionate dentists can give you honest, straightforward advice about your options for tooth replacement. We frequently recommend dental implants for this, but we can also let you know if dentures or dental bridges may be a better choice for you. With our help, you will be confident you’ve made the right choice, and you won’t be self-conscious anymore.
The only way to determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants is to visit our office. Ready to learn more about dental implants? Contact Austell Dental Associates by dialing (770) 467-3888.
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