Dealing with problematic teeth is vital to your current and future oral health, and sometimes this includes tooth extraction. Various dental issues can necessitate an extraction, but it is also important to note that not replacing the extracted tooth or teeth can harm your dental health. However, there are several methods and options to consider when replacing extracted teeth. Let’s discuss possible reasons for needing a tooth removed, the downsides of not getting an extracted tooth replaced, and your options for replacing extracted teeth.
There are many possible reasons for needing a tooth removed. You may have an intense toothache from a severe cavity that is too far gone for the tooth to be able to be filled or crowned. Large tooth fractures (often caused by grinding your teeth or chewing hard foods) can render the tooth irreparable, especially if the fracture is a vertical one. You may have had an accident or injury that damaged the tooth beyond repair. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth extraction. Gum disease damages the gums and the bone holding the teeth in place, and if it gets severe enough, your teeth may become loose and fall out or need to be extracted.
You may be wondering if you can leave the gap caused by an extracted tooth or teeth alone, but this is not advisable for several reasons. Once a tooth is lost, the jawbone surrounding the root of the tooth starts to become thinner and weaker. This can give your face a more aged or saggy appearance.
Having a gap in your teeth from a missing tooth or teeth causes your other teeth to tip forward or shift. This can give bacteria and plaque more room to gather, leading to an increase in cavities and gum issues over time. Missing teeth can cause misalignment of your biting, along with jaw pain and uneven wear on your teeth.
Additionally, a missing tooth or several missing teeth can cause problems with your speech and make it hard to chew properly. Gaps in the front teeth can also often cause a loss of self-confidence. Missing a tooth can affect the health of the surrounding teeth and lead to more tooth removals being necessary for the future.
There are many options for how to replace a missing tooth or teeth after tooth extraction. Your options include bridges, dental implants (tooth-supported dental implants and bridge-supported dental implants), partial dentures, and full dentures. Determining which option is right for your situation will depend on your dentist’s recommendation after considering your medical and dental history, dental hygiene habits, lifestyle choices (like smoking), and your budget.
Overall, there are various issues that can lead to tooth removal and many options for replacing missing teeth to keep your oral health and your smile in good shape.
Request an appointment here: https://cohensgentledental.com or call Cohen's Gentle Dental at (718) 412-9440 for an appointment in our The Bronx office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Extraction in The Bronx, NY.
It can be hard to know exactly how to recover properly after tooth extraction. Long ago, there was a lot of pain involved afterward, however, modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of less invasive techniques, which results in less swelling and less pain. Nonetheless, there are still a few things to consider after tooth…
Emergency dentists treat a range of oral health concerns, including toothaches. A minor toothache may not be an emergency, but a severe toothache that lingers for an extended period of time or suddenly worsens likely requires immediate dental care to prevent any additional oral health concerns and ensure ideal long-term oral health. This review highlights how…
When a family dentist discusses oral surgery, some patients experience dread and anxiety about the cost and pain of such procedures. Read on to learn more about oral surgery. Many patients are unaware that dental surgery is common and involves treatments that address problems that affect many individuals. Dental surgery is often performed as an…
A root canal removes the interior living tissues of a tooth in order to combat infection or address damage. While it is not a dentist’s first choice, it can be necessary when no other options will save the tooth. If you are scheduled for a root canal, you may have heard that this procedure causes…