Teeth are routinely extracted for a number of reasons: physical damage from an accident and severe tooth decay are just two of the most common. While the process of extraction is fairly simple, the decision surrounding the replacement of the extracted tooth is far more complicated. Let’s look at tooth replacement options after extraction.
Tooth Replacement Options After Extraction
There are a variety of tooth replacement options. Each has its own set of risks and benefits. To better understand your individual options and how they can affect your future oral health, talk to your dentist in Irvine. In the meantime, here is a brief overview of common tooth replacement options that you might consider.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a three-part device that fully replaces your natural tooth from root to tip. The post, which is drilled directly into the jaw, is a permanent fixture that will help to maintain a healthy jaw for the rest of your life.
The crown, which mimics your natural tooth above the gumline, will generally have to be replaced every ten years or so. The only other downside is that dental implants require a healing period between the placement of the post and the completion of the restoration.
Tooth-Supported Dental Bridge
A dental bridge that is anchored to your natural teeth can replace up to three missing teeth in a row. It’s a relatively simple procedure, but it can put some strain on the natural teeth that are being used as anchors.
Dental Implant Supported Dental Bridge
A dental-implant supported bridge can replace up to five missing teeth in a row. One either end, your dentist will place a dental implant. This approach provides better support and removes the risk of damaging additional natural teeth. Unfortunately, the process of placing dental implants can take several months, longer in some cases.
Partial Denture
A partial denture is a great option for someone missing several teeth not all directly next to each other. Dentures of any kind are an adjustment. But the presence of your remaining natural teeth can help you feel a bit more secure.
While dental implants offer improved long-term comfort, partial dentures can be fitted relatively quickly at a much lower cost than a whole series of individual dental implants.
Complete Dentures
If you have a complete set of tooth extractions in Irvine, then complete dentures are going to be one of your top options. You can usually get customized dentures in a matter of weeks, and modern dentures do offer notable stability as long as you’re going to your doctor every six months for regular check-ups and adjustments.
Complete dentures can take some getting used to, but your dentist can help you with some tips and tricks to make the adjustment a little easier. Unfortunately, you may notice changes in the shape of your jaw over time due to the lack of remodeling.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Maybe you need a complete arch. But you also want the security of a permanent tooth replacement option. Then implant-supported dentures are often the gold standard. These dentures are fixed to several dental implants along the arch. This helps maintain jaw health and offers an unbeatable fit.
The process of placing dental implants for implant-supported dentures can take anywhere from three to nine months. Dental implants are also not a great fit for someone who has already experienced bone loss in the jaw. Unless they prove a good candidate for a bone graft.
Making an Informed Decision
Every person’s oral health history is a little different. And there are many factors that should be considered when you’re choosing a tooth replacement option. We hope this brief overview gave you a beginner’s understanding of what your options might include. But the best option for you will ultimately come down to a decision based on the advice of your dentist.