When you first learn that your tooth needs to be extracted, your initial reaction might not be one of relief. On the other hand, the prospect of extracting a tooth (and the fact that it’s necessary) can often seem like a significantly negative development. While it can be, the truth is that extracting the tooth as soon as possible could be the best thing for your smile and oral health. For example, in addition to removing whatever threat the tooth posed to your oral health, extraction can also pave the way for us to replace the tooth with a more durable, highly lifelike, implant-supported restoration.
It means the tooth is beyond saving
Tooth extraction isn’t as common as most other dental procedures because it’s reserved for extreme conditions. For instance, if a tooth has become so damaged that its remaining structure isn’t strong enough to support a dental crown, then removing it could be the last option for saving your smile. Because of the significance of losing a tooth, we only suggest extracting one when absolutely necessary. We can also recommend replacing it as soon as possible, preferably with a dental implant, to reduce the impact that extracting the tooth might have on your surrounding jawbone structure.
It means you shouldn’t wait to replace it
One of the reasons extraction is a last resort is because it means you should replace the tooth as soon as possible. The loss of the tooth can impact the balance in your bite, causing it to have difficulty biting and chewing. The missing root in your jawbone can cause the structure lose mass and density over time. These and other effects can make restoring your smile more difficult even after you’ve removed the troublesome tooth in question. The best way to reduce or avoid them is to plan your tooth replacement as soon as possible following your tooth extraction.
It means your smile gets another chance
There are many different conditions that can lead to the need for tooth extraction, and most of them are severe (hence the need for a last resort treatment option). Patients who hesitate to undergo treatment or decide to wait until the tooth falls out on its own risk the underlying condition growing a lot worse. Extracting and replacing the lost tooth, as well as addressing the underlying concern with your tooth, can give you a better chance at preserving the rest of your healthy, natural smile for life.
Learn if you can benefit from tooth extraction
Needing tooth extraction can seem like a bad thing, but in many cases, it can create an opportunity to fully restore the health, integrity, and appearance of your smile. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.