Oral Surgery
Extractions
Our goal is always to restore, repair and save your natural teeth. However, sometimes a tooth reaches the point when it is not restorable and needs to be extracted. We will make sure you are comfortable before, during and after your extraction procedure.
When a tooth is lost, it affects the surrounding teeth and bone. The teeth on either side of the missing tooth can shift and tip into the space, and the opposing tooth can start shifting also, negatively impacting your bite. Removing a tooth also leaves a hole in the jawbone. Over time, the bone resorbs or shrinks even more, leading to a defect in the bone. To help prevent this, we may recommend a bone graft.
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Bone Grafts
A dental bone graft is a procedure that fills the defect in the bone with bone grafting material. Over time, your natural bone replaces the graft material as it heals. This preserves the jawbone, supports the adjacent teeth, and prepares the site for future tooth replacement.
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It is best to replace missing teeth to restore function and to prevent further damage to the surrounding teeth and the jaw bone.
In most situations, the best replacement for a missing tooth is a dental implant. A dental implant is a fixture that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Implants look like a screw and are typically made of titanium. Once they are healed, a porcelain dental crown is attached on top. Implants look and function like natural teeth. They provide chewing function like natural teeth and you can brush and floss around them just like natural teeth.
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What Are Other Tooth Replacement Options?
Another option for tooth replacement is a dental bridge. Dental bridges are fixed restorations that replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. A bridge is supported by at least two teeth on either side of the missing tooth/teeth.
A dental bridge is a single unit that consists of crowns that fit over the support teeth on either side of the space and replacement teeth in between the crowns. These replacement teeth “bridge the gap” of the missing teeth. A bridge is cemented in place and is not removable.
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A dental bridge is a good option for tooth replacement in cases where patients have one to a few missing teeth with support teeth on either side.
Another option for tooth replacement is a partial denture. Partial dentures are custom-made removable appliances that typically replace multiple missing teeth. Partial dentures provide an economical option when a number of teeth have been lost. Partial dentures are sometimes also used as a temporary tooth replacement while a dental implant is healing and are then called a "flipper."
If you are concerned that you may need an extraction, or if you have lost a tooth and would like to discuss replacement options, call us today!
