Dealing with problematic teeth is vital to your current and future oral health, and sometimes this includes tooth extraction. Various dental issues can necessitate an extraction, but it is also important to note that not replacing the extracted tooth or teeth can harm your dental health. However, there are several methods and options to consider when replacing extracted teeth. Let’s discuss possible reasons for needing a tooth removed, the downsides of not getting an extracted tooth replaced, and your options for replacing extracted teeth.
There are many possible reasons for needing a tooth removed. You may have an intense toothache from a severe cavity that is too far gone for the tooth to be able to be filled or crowned. Large tooth fractures (often caused by grinding your teeth or chewing hard foods) can render the tooth irreparable, especially if the fracture is a vertical one. You may have had an accident or injury that damaged the tooth beyond repair. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth extraction. Gum disease damages the gums and the bone holding the teeth in place, and if it gets severe enough, your teeth may become loose and fall out or need to be extracted.
You may be wondering if you can leave the gap caused by an extracted tooth or teeth alone, but this is not advisable for several reasons. Once a tooth is lost, the jawbone surrounding the root of the tooth starts to become thinner and weaker. This can give your face a more aged or saggy appearance.
Having a gap in your teeth from a missing tooth or teeth causes your other teeth to tip forward or shift. This can give bacteria and plaque more room to gather, leading to an increase in cavities and gum issues over time. Missing teeth can cause misalignment of your biting, along with jaw pain and uneven wear on your teeth.
Additionally, a missing tooth or several missing teeth can cause problems with your speech and make it hard to chew properly. Gaps in the front teeth can also often cause a loss of self-confidence. Missing a tooth can affect the health of the surrounding teeth and lead to more tooth removals being necessary for the future.
There are many options for how to replace a missing tooth or teeth after tooth extraction. Your options include bridges, dental implants (tooth-supported dental implants and bridge-supported dental implants), partial dentures, and full dentures. Determining which option is right for your situation will depend on your dentist’s recommendation after considering your medical and dental history, dental hygiene habits, lifestyle choices (like smoking), and your budget.
Overall, there are various issues that can lead to tooth removal and many options for replacing missing teeth to keep your oral health and your smile in good shape.
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