Do you take very good care of your teeth? If you regularly brush, floss, rinse, and visit your dentist regularly, then you’re well on your way towards keeping your teeth healthy for years to come. However, sometimes dental extraction is inevitable.

While maintenance makes it less likely, no matter how well you take care of your teeth, certain conditions may arise that require a dentist’s intervention. If left untreated and allowed to worsen, these conditions can compound so much that dental extraction is required. This is more common than you would think—26% of Americans between the ages of 20 and 44 have untreated dental cavities as of 2018. Many of these cases eventually worsen to the point of needing extraction.

Fortunately, there is still hope for a beautiful smile and great dental health after an extraction thanks to dental implants.

The Benefits of Dental Extraction

While it may seem like an intimidating procedure—and indeed usually only occurs when the tooth is unsalvageable—dental extraction can have many benefits. It can mitigate unnecessary chronic pain, prevent infection from spreading, helps the rest of your mouth stay healthy, and more. Plus, with new dental implants that look and function just like a tooth, you don’t have to compromise your smile.

Pain Relief

Many patients are driven to dental clinics in search of pain relief. Of course, some of the causes of this pain—such as lodged objects or early-stage tooth decay—are easily remedied. However, sometimes it can be something more serious causing the discomfort. If a patient has allowed an infection to grow and reach the tooth roots, the pain can be severe. At this point, tooth extraction is the only option for pain relief.

Dental Extraction Protects the Rest of Your Teeth

What affects one tooth can affect them all. Cavities, infections, and impacted teeth can have detrimental effects on neighboring teeth if left untreated. Dental extraction is necessary in some cases not only to remove the affected tooth, but also to keep the surrounding teeth safe. Dealing with a condition that has spread to other teeth is not only complicated, but also expensive.

Compensates for Overcrowding

In some cases, dental extraction would be recommended even though the tooth in question is healthy. In an overcrowded mouth, teeth do not have the space to move and realign as needed, which can result in crooked, overlapping, or painful teeth. An extraction creates room for your teeth to adjust, relieving discomfort and aligning your smile.

Treats Irreparable Damage

Once tooth decay reaches the pulp at the center, a tooth passes the point of no return. Infection is soon to follow as the bacteria causing the decay spreads to the pulp. Sometimes, a root canal can help treat the infection. However, if the infection has reached a severe level, extraction is the best option to treat pain and prevent the infection from spreading.

Tooth Replacement Options

dental extraction replacement options
There are various tooth replacement options, and they come with a range of benefits

Dental extraction is not the end of the line for your smile. After the procedure, there are a number of options you can consider to replace your tooth. Newer dental technologies can recreate almost your exact smile with implants and dentures.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a form of prosthetic dentistry that also deliver cosmetic benefits. These implants are synthetic tooth roots that provide support for extracted tooth restoration. By acting as roots, dental implants prevent jaw bone loss, provide strength for chewing, and continue to support facial features in absence of the original tooth.

Mini implants are one of the most popular solutions. These smaller implants are less invasive and more affordable than their conventional counterparts. They are also loaded in just one day, while regular dental implants take at least two sessions.

But while mini implants are a great alternative where appropriate, conventional dental implants are the standard, making them more suitable for crown and bridge placement. Whatever kind of dental implant your case needs, it’s important to secure them from a trusted and reputable supplier.

Partial Dentures and Overdentures

A partial denture is a natural-looking and removable dental prosthetic that acts to replace missing teeth by restoring both form and function. These dental appliances work against the imbalance caused by a few missing teeth.

An alternative to partial dentures are overdentures. There are a few differences between a conventional partial denture and an overdenture. Overdentures are an alternative to bridges, and rest on implants. What is best for you is up to you and your dentist, but as always, remember to make sure your dentures are from a reliable manufacturer.

Fixed Dental Bridges

A fixed dental bridge is a permanent, custom-made replacement that fulfills the function of missing teeth. A dental bridge is cemented in place by attaching it to the crowns of the teeth adjacent to the gap. As such, only a dentist can remove them. A bridge permanently restores bite function, keeps the natural shape of your face, and provides stability similar to your natural teeth.

When evaluating your options to see if a dental bridge is for you, make sure you consult your doctor to find the best quality bridgework for your needs.

Ensure Your Dental Appliances Are the Best

Naturally, the best thing you can do for your teeth is to take care of them properly so they stay healthy as long as possible. However, no matter how much careful maintenance you do, an extraction is inevitable for many of us. As such, it’s important to understand the benefits of extraction and your options to replace teeth after.

Dental implants, dentures, and bridges are important after a dental extraction to make sure you keep your bite, alignment, and appearance. When consulting with a dentist regarding your plans after extraction, ask if they use products from a trusted restorative partner such as Sterngold Dental.

As a leader in restorative dentistry since 1897, Sterngold produces some of the best dental products on the market, including implants, dentures, and more. Operating globally and guided by a philosophy that marries quality with affordability, there are few better choices than Sterngold out there today.