When you have a tooth extracted, it is important to consider how you would like the tooth to be replaced. For your comfort and general well-being, it is usually best to discuss tooth replacement options as soon as it is clear that the tooth needs to be extracted. Let’s look at the tooth replacement options after a pulled tooth.
Tooth Replacement Options After Pulled Tooth
By knowing what your options are, you’re free to make an educated decision ahead of time. With any luck, that will allow you to replace the tooth as soon as your mouth has healed enough for whatever method you chose.
While the exact methods available to you will depend on your personal medical history, we can provide a brief overview of common methods so that you are familiar with the general process prior to meeting to discuss cosmetic dentistry in Burbank.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most comprehensive form of tooth replacement. Each prosthetic is made of three component parts, and together they replace the entire tooth from root to tip.
The process for placing dental implants is more involved and can take several months to complete. That is due to the fact that the post of the implant is drilled directly into the jaw.
While this placement provides unmatched support and promotes continued jaw health, it does require you to have enough healthy bone tissue to anchor the post. Bone grafts can be used to offset a deficiency in this area, but they will extend the time required to place a dental implant.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can replace up to three teeth in a row using your natural teeth as anchors. That can up to five teeth in a row if the bridge stays anchored with a dental implant on either side.
With a dental bridge, it is only the anchor teeth that are firmly attached. Even so, these tooth replacement tools do provide stability with the added bonus of replacing several teeth at once.
You should keep in mind that dental bridges anchored on natural teeth may put strain on those teeth. You will want to discuss potential side effects with your dentist. If there is a perceived risk to those healthy teeth, you may want to consider anchoring your bridge with dental implants instead.
Dentures
Dentures, either partial or complete, are often the easiest way to quickly address a sizable number of missing teeth. Fortunately, modern dentures are carefully designed to provide stability and comfort.
As long as you have them fitted properly and re-fitted to you on a regular basis, there is no reason that you should feel uncomfortable eating or talking with your dentures. In fact, it isn’t uncommon for people to dispense with denture adhesives entirely once they become accustomed to using dentures.
The primary downside of dentures is that they do nothing to stimulate the jawbone. Without a direct connection to the bone itself, your body doesn’t receive the signal to replace old bone tissue with new bone as you use your jaw. This can cause the bone to atrophy over time.
Implant-Supported Dentures
If you’re looking for a hybrid option that offers some of the simplicity of dentures and the support of dental implants, then you can discuss the possibility of having implant-supported dentures when you meet with your dentist to go over your tooth extractions in Burbank.
Implant-supported dentures only require a few, well-placed dental implants. And they can act as the permanent anchors for a non-removable set of dentures. This option will still take some time. But it will allow you to have the stability and bone health associated with dental implants at a more reasonable price point.