When it comes to dental care, not all circumstances are the same. Some patients may be in unique situations that require special attention and care. If your gums or teeth have been severely damaged by disease or trauma, you might need to get a tooth removed and dentures as a replacement for your missing tooth. The two options you can choose from to replace a missing tooth are tooth extractions and dentures.
The choice between these two is based on several factors including the severity of your oral conditions, your ability to handle stress, cost of treatment, age, etc. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from both of these procedures and which one would be right for you.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
The first and most important thing to understand about tooth extraction is that it is not the same as a root canal. Tooth extraction is a procedure that involves the removal of a decayed or damaged tooth. Once the tooth is removed, a surgeon will clean the socket of your gum so that it gets ready to receive your dentures. There are several reasons why your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction.
Tooth extraction may be recommended if you have to undergo a dental procedure that might cause damage to this particular tooth. Other reasons for tooth extraction include tooth pain, tooth infection, tooth deformity, bad tooth position, and tooth misalignment.
What to Expect from a Tooth Extraction and Dentures
Once you have gone through tooth extraction, your dentist will help you get your dentures. Dentures are the removable dental appliance that fits over the gums to replace your missing teeth. The first thing that you need to do is find a dentist who will make you the perfect custom-fit dentures. Dentures are removable dental implants that are held in place by a small metal post. They replace all the teeth in your mouth that were lost as a result of tooth extraction. Dentures are meant to be worn at all times unless you are eating, brushing your teeth, or taking part in some other oral hygiene routine. They are not designed to be taken out while you’re sleeping.
Pros of tooth extractions and dentures
- Once you have undergone a tooth extraction, your dentist will help you get your dentures. Dentures are the removable dental appliance that fits over the gums to replace your missing teeth.
- Dentures are meant to be worn at all times unless you are eating, brushing your teeth, or taking part in some other oral hygiene routine. They are not designed to be taken out while you’re sleeping.
- Dentures give your gums a break from the pressure of biting and grinding that your teeth would normally provide. This helps your gums stay healthy when you are not wearing your dentures.
- Consistent wear of your dentures increases the blood flow to the gums, which aids in the healing process.
- You don’t have to worry about your smile or losing self-confidence because of missing teeth. The moment you get your custom-fit dentures, you can smile freely and confidently.
Cons of tooth extraction and dentures
- The cost of getting custom-fit dentures may be high compared to tooth extraction.
- You may have some difficulty wearing your dentures at first. It can take a few weeks or even months to get used to wearing your dentures.
- Dentures come in two designs: partial and full. Partial dentures are used to replace the front teeth while full dentures are used to replace all the teeth in the mouth. Getting full dentures can be inconvenient because you will have to remove them to eat, drink, brush your teeth or simply smile.
- You may find it difficult to wear your dentures for long durations such as when you’re traveling, swimming, or sleeping.
Denture Treatment Options.
If you have gone through a tooth extraction and want to replace your missing teeth, you can choose a dental bridge or a dental implant. A dental bridge is a dental appliance that is used to replace a few missing teeth either in the front or the back of your mouth. Dental implants are used to replace one or several teeth in the mouth. They are a great option if you want a permanent solution to replace your missing teeth.
Conclusion
When it comes to dental care, not all circumstances are the same. Some patients may be in unique situations that require special attention and care. If your gums or teeth have been severely damaged by disease or trauma, you might need to get a tooth removed and dentures as a replacement for your missing tooth.
The two options you can choose from to replace a missing tooth are tooth extractions and dentures. The choice between these two is based on several factors including the severity of your oral conditions, your ability to handle stress, cost of treatment, age, etc. Get in touch with your dentist and discuss your options to help you make the right decision.
References:
1-Root Canal Irrigants
Available online 21 April 2006.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2005.09.014
2-A review of dental implants and infection
Available online 28 March 2009.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2009.02.010
