Tooth replacement is such an important step in keeping your smile dressed up. With so many tooth replacement options available in the market today, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. Our experts at Prime Dentistry – Philadelphia’s most trusted dental office in Northeast Philadelphia – explain the process of tooth extraction and some common tooth-replacing alternatives for you to achieve a brilliant smile for you. WHY ARE TEETH REMOVED?
There may be a variety of reasons why we would recommend you to undergo emergency tooth removal. One of the most common causes of tooth extraction is broken teeth either due to excessive decay, fracture or infection. Most times, wisdom teeth removal is necessary to prevent infection and pain. Those who are undergoing orthodontic treatment for crooked or misaligned teeth may also need to get one or two teeth removed to create adequate space for tooth movement and to achieve a perfect smile.Teeth extraction for braces is a safe and often necessary step to ensure the correct alignment of the teeth.
WHY TEETH REPLACEMENT IS NECESSARY?
Missing teeth are more than a cosmetic issue. They can often create a space that may be difficult to clean and lead to problems like bone loss or decay surrounding the healthy teeth. It is common to find one or more missing back teeth. It is also falsely believed that teeth that are not in the smile line do not need replacement. People almost always regret their decision NOT to replace missing teeth after they have experienced the following side effects:
- Surrounding teeth misalignment
Because teeth alignment is supported by each other, once a tooth is removed, the whole equilibrium disrupts. The body will attempt to correct the equilibrium by creating unwanted tooth movement towards the gap. As a result, surrounding teeth will tilt towards the gap, and opposing teeth become longer. These changes will create a domino effect on all the remaining teeth, contributing towards a crooked smile, bite issues, TMJ changes, headaches, etc. Misaligned teeth are invariably more difficult to clean, leading to decay and gum disease, which may further lead to loss of other teeth, hence repeating the cycle.
- Bone loss
The presence of teeth works as a stimulus for the jawbone to maintain its volume and vitality. In the case of missing teeth, the jaw bone starts to atrophy, leading to loss of bone volume. Significant loss of bone volume will make jaw bone less stable to support the remaining teeth, prone to fracture, and eventually alter the shape of your face and your smile.
TOOTH REPLACEMENT OPTIONS
The most common ways to replace a missing tooth are:
- Implants
Implant dentistry has revolutionized dentistry, and it is the best option to replace missing teeth. This option would feel and act the most like a natural tooth while chewing, smiling, or brushing. When smiling or talking, most can’t tell the difference between the natural tooth and an implant.
Implants are a secure alternative to removable dentures. Occasionally it can be the best option if the loss of teeth has caused the mouth to shrink and can no longer support dentures. They recreate the basic structure of a tooth. It is a titanium screw fit in place of the root part of a tooth. An implant can replace a missing tooth, and as few as four implants can replace all the upper and lower jaw teeth. This is dependent on the size of your jawbone. Hence, this option would feel like a natural tooth while chewing, smiling, or brushing.
- Dental Bridge
Dental bridges are pretty much as the name suggests. They bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. The bridge attaches against the existing teeth on either side. Bridges are best suited when one to three consecutive teeth are missing.
Dental bridges are the second best choice to replace missing teeth. With appropriate care, bridges can last for several decades.
- Removable Partial/Complete denture
Full denture can replace all teeth in the mouth, whereas partial denture replaces a few missing teeth. They are removal options, where patients can take dentures out themselves. Your dentures are custom-made to fit your smile comfortably, aesthetically, and stably.
Dentures are made of a special kind of plastic or porcelain. They can replace one or all of your teeth. It is the least costly way for replacing teeth. .The usual life cycle of dentures is about 5-7 years. Our office uses the latest advancements in dentistry to replicate the missing teeth with dentures that look natural and are the best for you.
If you’ve met an impasse with tooth removal and subsequent replacement, our team at Prime Dentistry can help you better understand the process. Contact us to know more.
