Dental Extractions
Tooth extractions are a therapeutic dental procedure that involves removing a tooth for restorative or pain-relief purposes. While dentists prefer to preserve teeth whenever possible, there are certain circumstances when tooth extraction may be necessary. At Prizm Dental in La Verne, CA, Dr. Choi and our professional dental staff want you to know all about the tooth extraction process.
Why A Tooth Extraction Might be the Best Option
There are several reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted. One of the most common reasons is aggressive tooth decay. If tooth decay is left untreated, it can progress to the point where the tooth is no longer salvageable. In this case, extraction may be the only option to prevent further damage and infection.
Another reason why teeth may need to be extracted is due to severe stages of periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and bones that support the teeth. As gum disease progresses, it can cause the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Removing severely infected teeth can halt the spread of periodontitis into adjacent structures.
Trauma is also a common reason why teeth may need to be extracted. If a tooth is cracked, broken, or severely damaged due to trauma, extraction may be necessary to prevent further damage to the surrounding teeth and gums.
Tooth Extraction is a Last Resort
Dental extractions are typically viewed as a last resort in dentistry. Dr. Choi prefers to preserve teeth whenever possible since missing teeth can cause various dental problems. When a tooth is extracted, it leaves an empty space in the jawbone, leading to bone loss and shifting teeth. This can cause further problems with your bite, speech, and ability to eat.
To combat these issues, Dr. Choi is experienced in placing bone graft material and a special membrane that acts like a band-aid to replenish the missing bone.
Replace Your Missing Tooth with Dental Implants
Replacing a missing tooth is essential to maintain a healthy mouth. Otherwise, adjacent teeth can tilt into the open space and change your entire bite alignment. Dental implants are a popular option for replacing extracted teeth. They consist of a titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone to serve as an anchor for a replacement tooth. The post fuses with the bone over time, creating a strong, durable foundation for the replacement tooth.
