If dental problems are left untreated for too long, there may come a time when we have to think about extracting the tooth. This isn’t an easy decision for the patient or the dentist, but it could become a necessity if the tooth is too badly damaged.
A badly damaged tooth poses a risk to the teeth around it, and this could lead to further issues. This could also happen if treatment on a tooth has failed and left it weakened. For example, if a root canal treatment fails, this can also mean that you need to think about an extraction.
An extraction is a quick and often straightforward procedure, but the struggle often comes after the extraction when you need to think about what to do with the gap.
Leaving a gap in your teeth for an extended period is not recommended. This can cause widespread problems to your oral health and your wider health. If you leave a gap in your smile, you’re at risk of the following complications:
The surrounding and opposite teeth can be weakened by the lack of support.
You may favour chewing on one side of your mouth, leading to uneven wear.
There is a risk of facial asymmetry if your jaw bone recedes in the absence of the tooth.
You may suffer further tooth loss as the supporting structures recede.
You could suffer from digestive problems if you are unable to chew your food correctly.
To help safeguard your oral health and protect your teeth, we recommend planning a follow-up treatment to address the gap in your smile. There are four main options available to you.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are now a well-established treatment to fill a gap or gaps caused by a tooth extraction. A titanium screw is placed into your jawbone and is then used to support one or more teeth. Leigh Dental Centre is proud to offer cost-effective and reliable dental implants.
This is the only permanent solution for a missing tooth that will help to replicate the look and feel of your natural teeth. It is a very discreet restoration and only you will be aware that you have a dental implant.
Advantages of dental implants
An implant will last for as long as you properly care for them, you can expect them to last for many years. The implant is designed to last a lifetime, while the dental crown on top can last for around 10 – 15 years with the right care.
Another advantage of dental implants is that we don’t have to prepare the surrounding teeth or use these as a support. To read more about the benefits of dental implants click this link to our previous article.
Disadvantages of dental implants
You will need to wait 3 – 4 months once the implant has been fitted before the restoration can be fitted on top.
Implants are not suitable for everybody depending on your conditions and oral health. To find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants, get in touch with our team to arrange a consultation.
Full or Partial Dentures
Dentures can be made using a chrome (metal) base or an acrylic base and composite teeth. They can be made to replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw or can be made to replace just a few teeth. They can be removed for cleaning and you don’t wear them at night time.
Advantages of dentures
If you need to add more teeth to the denture in the future following further extractions, this is possible.
Dentures can be fitted as soon as teeth are extracted so you will not have to worry about the gap being visible.
Disadvantages of dentures
Dentures require patience and practice to allow you to speak and eat with confidence. Some people find them uncomfortable and might avoid wearing them.
Dentures will need to be relined and remade over time as the shape of your mouth changes.
Wearing dentures can cause your jaw bone to recede and change shape, leading to a sunken appearance in your cheeks.
Dental Bridges
A bridge is constructed by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap and an artificial tooth in the gap. The force of your bite is absorbed by the surrounding teeth. The restoration can usually be completed in a few weeks.
Advantages of dental bridges
A bridge can provide a permanent solution to tooth loss at a lower cost than dental implants.
They are fixed and stable so you will not have to worry about movement when eating or speaking. They also look very natural and will quickly restore your smile so you can feel more confident in your appearance again.
Disadvantages of dental bridges
The teeth either side of the gap will need to be prepared to allow crowns to be fitted. This may mean damaging otherwise healthy teeth and increases the risk of them degrading further in the future. An alternative would be to use a metal wing at the rear of the tooth to bond the artificial tooth in place. However, this also requires preparation of the surrounding teeth.
Leave a gap in your smile
If you are not self-conscious about the appearance of the gap and you are still able to eat and chew normally, it may be possible to leave the gap with no further treatment. Some teeth don’t need to be replaced at all.
For example, wisdom teeth do not need a replacement. Similarly, the rear molars can often be removed without worrying about the outcome. We can monitor the teeth after the extraction and help you to decide if you need to think about a replacement further down the line.
Advantages of leaving a gap in your smile
This is the most cost-effective solution as it means that you don’t have to pay for further dental treatment. If your teeth were already overcrowded, you might find that your teeth naturally shift to close the gap. We may be able to speed up this process using orthodontic treatment.
Disadvantages of leaving a gap in your smile
By leaving a gap in your smile, you will start to favour chewing on the other side. This can lead to uneven wearing and asymmetries in your smile.
The surrounding teeth may also move into the gap and this could change the way your teeth bite together. Food may also get trapped in the gap, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Final thoughts on options following tooth extraction
As you can see, there are a lot of options when it comes to replacing a missing tooth. From cost-effective treatments like dentures to long-term treatments like dental implants, there are options available for all budgets and preferences.
If you’re confused about your options and not sure where to turn for advice and support, we can help. Get in touch with our team today to book a consultation. If you know you’re going to have to deal with an extraction, we can help you to plan the next steps so you feel more confident.
For more information on your dental needs call Leigh Dental Centre on 01702 472 929 or explore our website.
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