Having to extract a tooth can sometimes be surprising, but once you know it’s necessary, the loss of the tooth structure will no longer be a surprise. Despite this, losing the tooth’s natural structure can still have several important consequences for your immediate and long-term oral health. That’s why tooth extraction is only recommended when it’s absolutely necessary, and that’s also why we often recommend replacing the extracted tooth with a dental implant restoration. Only a dental implant can replace the extracted tooth’s root as well as its visible crown structure, thereby helping you avoid most of the consequences that could stem from losing the tooth.
Why your tooth no longer works
When tooth extraction is necessary, it’s important to understand why. This can be different for everyone, and in some cases, the tooth may not need to be replaced. For example, if it’s a third molar (or wisdom tooth) that’s become impacted before it can erupt, you may not have to, or be able to, replace the tooth after it’s extracted. However, most other teeth end up needing extraction because they can no longer perform their duty as healthy, natural teeth. They’ve become too severely damaged or decayed to withstand your bite pressure, and can even threaten the health and integrity of the rest of your smile.
What extracting it accomplishes
The goal of extracting a tooth is tied to the reason why it needs to be extracted. For teeth that aren’t wisdom teeth, for instance, the goal is typically to prevent the tooth from becoming a bigger threat to your oral health, as well as to make way for fully restoring your smile. The point of extracting the tooth is to remove the compromised tooth structure completely, which will prevent the infection in the tooth structure or any rough, jagged edges from tooth damage from causing more harm.
What a dental implant gives your smile back
Extracting a tooth also allows your dentist to replace the tooth with a highly lifelike dental restoration, which will allow you to regain your smile’s appearance, bite function, and more. For many people, the most effective restoration is one that’s supported by a dental implant post, which is a small, biocompatible post that mimics your healthy, natural tooth root. After having a tooth extracted, a dental implant restoration can restore all of its function, including absorbing your bite pressure as well as providing vital stimulation to your supportive jawbone structure.
Replace an extracted tooth with a dental implant
If you need to have a tooth extracted, a dental implant restoration may be the best way to restore your smile and your bite’s full function afterward. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.