After tooth extraction, you don’t want to leave holes where the missing teeth are. Luckily, there are options to replace missing teeth that fit all needs and budgets. Your local dentist in Rogers, AR, Dr. Heather Adams, offers three solid options for tooth replacement.
The Tooth Extraction Process
A tooth extraction is needed in the case of decayed, severely damaged, or impacted teeth. To keep up your oral health, teeth in these conditions can’t stay in the mouth. Dr. Adams will evaluate how many of your teeth will need to be removed. Tooth extraction is the final option when lesser measures have been ruled out or haven’t worked.
When you arrive for your tooth extraction, you’ll receive local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth that’s being removed. If you suffer from dental anxiety, sedation options are available. Your tooth is then removed from the gums and root structure. The empty socket that’s left will be clean and sutured shut. We give each patient personalized aftercare instructions specific to their case.
Ways to Replace Teeth
When the area where your tooth or teeth are extracted is healed, you’ll want to make sure it’s replaced. Having missing teeth can lead to oral issues like shifting teeth and bone loss. To prevent this, these three ways to replace teeth are all options.
1. Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most natural tooth replacement option. They can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. A titanium post is implanted into the jawbone. After a few months of the bone fusing to the implant, an abutment is added to connect the final restoration, usually a dental crown, to the implant post. The benefit of the implant posts is that they prevent bone loss in the jaw.
While this is a natural and popular form of tooth replacement, it is one of the most expensive. It also takes longer, as the healing process for each step has to be completed before starting the next. However, getting dental implants in Rogers, Arkansas is a permanent option that should last you 20 years or more without any problems.
2. Dental Bridge
A dental bridge can replace a single missing tooth or a string of consecutive teeth. A fixed dental bridge can be secured with dental implants. Dr. Adams will recommend this whenever possible, as it’s the most durable option. However, we know that that’s not always possible.
For a more cost-effective option, there are removable dental bridges. These don’t give you the stability and other benefits of the implant-supported bridge. The bridge is secured by existing healthy teeth. Those are filed down and then the bridge is affixed to them. This does give you the option for quick restoration.
3. Dentures
If you have to get a full arch of teeth replaced, dentures are the easiest and most cost-effective option. While removable dentures are what most people think of, a more permanent solution is available. Dr. Adams can use as few as four dental implants to secure your denture. This lets you replace a whole arch of teeth, but save money because you’re getting fewer implants.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Dentist in Rogers, AR
If you’re ready to talk about your tooth extraction and tooth replacement options, call us today!