Sometimes you need a tooth extraction for the good of your overall oral health. Whether a tooth has suffered severe damage or it is decaying, there are situations in which it cannot be saved. When this occurs, we encourage you to take proactive steps and consider the rest of your smile. Of course, no one wants to lose a tooth, but when it is the best option, we are here to help. In today’s blog, your Garland, TX, dentist talks about the times you might need removal and the ways we can fill the gap with a prosthetic.
When You Need Removal
If a tooth cannot be saved with restoration services, we will likely suggest extraction.In cases of. severe gum disease, a tooth can loosen to a point where removal is the best option for the health of your teeth and gums. Severe decay and damage can also require extraction if your dentist cannot repair it with a dental crown or root canal. Those with compromised immune systems can also benefit from removal. In some cases, an infection starting in your mouth can spread to other parts of your body, turning the issue from a localized one to something more severe and widespread.
Filing The Space
Once you have a tooth removed, it is crucial to fill the gap as quickly as you can. In addition to providing aesthetic benefits, your overall health is affected by missing teeth. Because losing a tooth hinders your chewing, you might not be getting all the nutrients you should be from eating, which can lead to both physical and cognitive decline. Likewise, when a tooth is gone, your jawbone doesn’t receive proper stimulation, which can lead to your jaw losing its bone density.
With this in mind, it is essential to get a prosthetic as soon as possible. The most permanent option is a dental implant, which is a titanium post that connects to your jawbone. A dental bridge is also more permanent, as this prosthetic is supported by your existing teeth via crowns. This option is good if you are missing either a single tooth or a couple adjacent to one another. If you have multiple teeth missing all over your mouth, dentures are a great option. They are frequently removable, so you can easily clean them.
Aftercare
During the time between extraction and filling the gap, it is important to take good care of your mouth. For about a week after the procedure, you will want to minimize the risk of infection and any nagging pain by taking any antibiotics and pain relievers your dentist prescribes. You should also make sure you keep your mouth clean by rinsing it with warm salt water — in addition to your normal brushing routine.
Contact Us To Learn More About Tooth Extraction
If you have any questions about removing a tooth, please contact us today and schedule an appointment. You can call Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX at (972)-530-0552. You can also find our practice at 6850 N Shiloh Rd, Suite C Garland, TX 75044.
