Information #1: You Have Various Replacement Options after a Tooth Extraction
When children get their milk teeth extracted, there’s no need to get them replaced since the permanent teeth eventually grow in their place. However, this isn’t the case for adults since nothing grows back afterward. When this happens, your dentist should present you with the following replacement options:- Dental implants: Usually made from titanium, they act as an anchor for the tooth crown. This is a long-lasting, natural-looking option for replacing a tooth. Once in place, they provide a strong foundation for artificial teeth.
- Partial dentures: These are a set of false teeth that replace one or more missing pearly whites. They are usually made of plastic or metal and are held in place by clips or brackets that fit around the remaining teeth. Partial dentures can make eating and speaking easier, and they can also improve the appearance of your smile.
- Bridges: A tooth bridge is a restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between two adjacent teeth. The two adjacent teeth are abutments, and a false tooth is placed between them. Also known as a pontic, the false tooth can be made of porcelain or ceramic and is connected to the abutments with dental cement.
Information #2: The Risks Involved
Tooth extractions are generally safe, but as with any surgery, there are always risks. Be sure to get proper patient consent before going ahead with the procedure. Some risks include:- Over or under extraction: Sometimes, your dentist or physician may accidentally over- or undertone a tooth, which usually happens when the patient is sedated and can’t react in time.
- Injuries: There is always a small risk that the dentist may injure you while extracting your tooth. However, this is rare and usually only happens if the dentist has to open your gums manually. If this happens, the dentist will take every precaution to avoid injuring you.
- Infections: If bacteria enter the area around a tooth extraction, it can cause an infection. This infection can spread to the bones and produce an abscess. If left untreated, this can be deadly.