Thinking that a tooth extraction is in your near future? While it is ideal to save any teeth that are in jeopardy of being lost, sometimes a tooth cannot be saved. When one or more of your teeth are not savable, you will need to have them extracted from your mouth. Once you are missing a tooth, your next step is choosing a replacement option, as a healthy mouth is one with a full set of teeth.

Reasons for extracting a tooth

Want to understand the reasons for a tooth extraction? When you do, the information may help you avoid the need for extractions in the future. The most common reason someone would need to have a tooth extracted from their mouth is that the tooth is broken or in severe decay. Additional reasons include having an impacted tooth and teeth overcrowding, which tends to occur more often in wisdom teeth

According to Harvard Health, by age 50, the average American has lost 12 permanent teeth to decay, gum disease or injury. Losing teeth not only affects your smile but can also alter your bite and weaken your jawbone.

Replacements options after tooth extraction

Here are three popular tooth replacement options that dental patients are choosing nowadays after having one or more of their teeth extracted.

Dental implant

Dental implants are commonly chosen by those who need tooth replacement after undergoing a tooth extraction. The fact that placing a dental implant in a patient's mouth requires dental surgery makes it necessary for patients to first be approved to undergo the process. Because the entire implant placement process takes many months to complete, it requires patience. The treatment plan from the dental professional also needs to be followed closely.

Fixed bridge

A fixed bridge is more commonly known as a dental bridge. This type of tooth replacement option works by placing dental crowns on the teeth next to where the teeth have been extracted and then having one or two false teeth placed in between these crowns. Fixed bridges are custom-made for every patient to ensure a proper fit, and because they are permanently cemented into place, they cannot be removed, making them a permanent tooth replacement option.

Removable partial denture

A removable partial denture is a dental device that uses one or more false teeth to take the place of any teeth that have been extracted from a patient's mouth. There are a few different types of materials that patients can choose from, including acrylic resin, porcelain and/or metal. This type of tooth replacement option uses clasps that connect to the remaining teeth in order for them to stay securely in place. Since partial dentures are removable, they are much easier to care for, making them a popular tooth replacement choice.

Are you in need of a tooth extraction?

Ready to find out if a tooth extraction is necessary? The only way you can know for sure is by being evaluated by a dental professional, so we invite you to contact us now to schedule a consultation appointment for more information. If you do need to have one or more of your teeth extracted, we can help you choose a replacement option that works for you.

Request an appointment here: https://hulensmiles.com or call Hulen Smiles, Implant and Cosmetic Dentist at (817) 585-4159 for an appointment in our Fort Worth office.