What to Do After Tooth Extraction

When it comes to repairing a damaged tooth or restoring one that’s infected with decay, modern dentistry offers a variety of treatment options designed to address even the most severe cases. Yet, there are still times when a tooth is so compromised that it can’t be saved with advanced restorative dentistry. In such cases, extracting the tooth can be necessary for several reasons; it removes the threat of damage to surrounding oral tissues, and it allows your dentist to restore your smile by replacing the tooth with a stronger, more reliable prosthesis.

Why Tooth Extraction Is Necessary

Today’s replacement teeth are highly lifelike, and can withstand years of bite pressure without sustaining any damage. Nevertheless, your healthy, natural teeth are better than any replacement, and therefore, tooth extraction is only recommended when necessary, such as:

• When a wisdom tooth is impacted.
• When decay erodes too much of your tooth structure.
• When a tooth is too damaged to restore.
• When a tooth’s root is cracked or fractured.

The Best Way to Restore Your Smile

When it’s necessary, tooth extraction removes the threat that a severely compromised tooth can cause. However, the loss of the tooth can still affect your smile’s appearance and your bite’s function. Therefore, before performing tooth extraction, your dentist will discuss your options for replacing the extracted tooth as soon as possible to improve the long-term state of your oral health. In many cases, the best replacement option is an implant-supported crown, which replaces the root of your lost tooth with a biocompatible implant post and the visible portion with a highly lifelike dental crown.

Preserve Your Smile Following Tooth Extraction

One of the biggest reasons why tooth extraction is beneficial is that it gives your dentist the chance to restore your smile by replacing a tooth that can’t be saved. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).