What Choices Do I Have Following Tooth Extraction?

In our previous blog we discussed what happens when we have to face up to an extraction of a tooth. Whilst we do everything possible to save a tooth sometimes it not only is the only course of action but the best for you.

If a tooth is permanently re-infecting or causing pain, that will not help your general health, so there is a time when we have to be pragmatic and deal with it once and for all.

How will I cope with a gap?

When a tooth is removed sometimes we will leave the space empty for a few months to heal but this isn’t always the case. For instance, if the tooth was at the front of your mouth it is likely to be quite upsetting to have a space there for a few months so we can place an interim restoration for you.

• A temporary denture
• A temporary bridge
• Replace immediately with a dental implant and a temporary denture

The plan…

Once the decision has been made for removal of the tooth or teeth, our dentists will discuss the future replacement options. These could be

• A Denture
• A Dental Bridge
• Dental implants

Once we have decided upon the treatment of choice we will also decide how we are going to fill the gap in the interim. This is because we usually wait for some healing to occur before placing a permanent restoration.

Dentures

Dentures still have their place and mustn’t be overlooked. They can replace bone support and help fill out cheeks too.

They are also often used as an interim restoration during dental implant placement.

Dental Bridges

These are restorations that are fixed in place, that is, they can’t be removed, unlike dentures.

We generally use

• Fixed bridges – where there are crowns already either side of the gap
• Maryland “sticky” bridges when the teeth either side of the gap have not had any past dental work.

Dental Implants

Considered by many to be the closest to a real tooth in form and function, these are the more complex treatments that require more pre-decision making planning. We need to check the level of bone and quality of bone around the potential implant site as well as review your overall medical history. Monder, our implant surgeon has been placing dental implants for many years now with great success so you can be assured in his attention to detail when it comes to planning.

What about costs?

Each of these ways of replacing missing teeth will obviously have different cost implications, so this will need to be considered. We will, as always, discuss costs and finance options with you plus lifetime cost scenarios. Whilst we can’t predict how long a restoration will last, a dental bridge will need to be replaced several times during your lifetime and so a dental implant, whilst more expensive, may well be more cost effective in the long run.

What next?

We want you to know that we understand losing a tooth is a big deal and we have been patients too! That is why we will take time with you to achieve a treatment plan that is right for you. A plan that you understand and can afford. We will hold your hand every step of the way and continue to guide you to the best dental health possible.

All the team
Barrington Dental Care