A tooth extraction can seem like a daunting procedure. After all, we are taught from an early age that one of the primary reasons we brush, floss, and visit the dentist is to keep our smile healthy and complete. Because of this, keeping a full set of natural teeth often seems synonymous with good oral health. However, in several cases, having a tooth — or several — extracted can benefit not only your smile but your health overall. When you are suffering from severe dental issues tied to your existing teeth, removal can be the best course of action. Moreover, once it is gone, it is just as important to have the space filled with a prosthetic. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist discusses the situations when an extraction can benefit your health and the options to complete your smile once again.
When An Extraction Is Necessary
There are myriad situations when removing a tooth is the best option for your health. For instance, a tooth that is severely damaged by decay might not be treatable with a dental filling. Moreover, if there is not enough existing structure, strengthening it with a crown may not be possible. Similarly, if a tooth is deeply cracked, traditional restorative procedures might not suffice. In these circumstances, our team could very well determine that an extraction is the right move. We might also determine a tooth needs to come out if there is an infection that could spread to not only other parts of your mouth but also to the rest of your body. This is particularly important for those with compromised immune systems. No matter what course of action we recommend, we will explain all of your options to you, keeping you fully aware and informed.
Tooth Replacement After Extraction
Once your tooth is removed, it is crucial to fill in the gaps as soon as possible. If you had a single tooth — or several adjacent to each other — a dental bridge is likely the best replacement option. Bridges consist of preparing the teeth on either side of the gap (known as abutment teeth) with crowns to strengthen them. Then, we affix a bridge to these teeth, and it seamlessly fills in the gap. If you are missing a full row of teeth or several across your ridge, we can provide you with either full or partial dentures. Full dentures replace a whole row and partial dentures fit into the place where teeth are missing. These rest on your gums and are easily removable to clean. They are color matched to blend in with your existing teeth and gum. Finally, we can also provide implant restoration. This consists of a specialist, to whom we can refer you, placing titanium posts into your gum line. Over several weeks these fuse with your jawbone, providing you with a permanent tooth replacement. Once it has connected to your jaw, we can secure a natural-looking porcelain restoration to the implant.
Do You Have Questions About Extractions And Prosthetics?
If you would like to know more about our restorative and prosthetic procedures, schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320. We look forward to hearing from you.
