Tooth removal and its replacement can be confusing at times. What are the best treatment options that are available to you. Let’s find out more about tooth removal and its replacement options…….
Why will my dentist decide to remove my tooth?
Saving your precious tooth is always your dentist’s priority. However, there are some situations when your dentist can decide to remove your teeth. Tooth removal is inevitable in
Grossly destructed teeth
This can be because of a severe tooth decay. Most of the times, your dentist will try to save your decayed tooth with a tooth filling. When there is pain in the tooth, RCT ( Root Canal Treatment ) will be the treatment of choice. When the tooth decay is beyond repair, your dentist will decide to remove the tooth.
Cases of trauma
Trauma or injury to your teeth can happen during contact sports, an accidental fall or a road traffic accident. A fall or a hit generally causes “concussion” in your teeth. Here your dentist will run some diagnostic tests to rule out a fracture in your teeth or the jaws. If the damage is limited to the teeth only, then the teeth can be saved with procedures like RCT and / or splinting your teeth. Road traffic accidents result in a more severe damage to the jaws. Many teeth are lost or become extremely moble and may have to be removed. In cases of jaw fractures, the teeth in the line of the fracture have to be removed.
Gum infections
Your gums are the foundation of strong teeth. Any infection in the gums will weaken your teeth. Bleeding and swollen gums is generally the first sign of a gum infection. Neglected gums will make your teeth loose. These mobile teeth cannot be saved and have to be removed. Poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of gum infection. Visit your dentist regularly for a routine check up and follow their instructions for proper brushing and flossing.
In certain genetic conditions like “Anodontia” ( Missing Teeth ), teeth can be missing at birth.
What are the risk factors for missing teeth?
Although some reasons like congenitally missing teeth or accidents are inevitable, there are several other risk factors that can be kept under check. These primarily include plaque control and good oral hygiene habits.
- Brush and floss regularly and don’t forget to rinse your mouth.
- If you notice cavities, visit your dentist immediately. Do Not Neglect Cavities.
- Use a tooth paste with fluoride in it. Fluoride helps in the remineralisation of teeth.
- Avoid sugary and sticky foods. Consume foods with more fibre and a well balanced diet.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking causes dryness of mouth, which in turn increases tooth decay and gum infections.
What are the problems of missing teeth?
A missing teeth is a sore to the eye and can cause social embarrassment. Naturally, it makes the person conscious and impacts self confidence. Apart from appearance, missing front teeth can cause speech problems. Phonetics and pronunciation of certain sharp syllables is affected. Missing back teeth can create functional problems. Apart from causing difficulty in chewing foods, drifting of the neighbouring and opposite teeth into the missing space creates disharmony in your bite.
How can you replace missing teeth?
Replacing a missing tooth is important. You have several options to replace lost teeth.
Removable dentures
Removable denture are the simplest and least expensive prosthesis. But these ‘flippers’ has their disadvantages of feeling bulky in the mouth. The plate covering the palate can hamper taste sensation also.
Fixed Bridges
Fixed bridges are another replacement option. The teeth adjacent to the missing teeth are trimmed to act as the support to fill in the missing teeth. These bridges are fixed by your dentist and give a natural feel. Bridges have been in use for a long time now.
Dental Implants
Another, more recent tooth replacement option is the ‘Dental Implants’. With the implants your dentist will try to create a tooth like situation in the jaw. Your dentist/ implantologist will drill a hole in the jaw to place the titanium screw (implant), which acts like the root of the tooth. A cap is then fabricated in the lab which is fitted onto the screw to simulate the crown of a natural teeth. Implant are the closest in look and feel to natural teeth. Titanium has the ability of ‘osseointegration’, where it can fuse to the bone to create a stable base.
Who is a candidate for Implants?
Anyone who can undergo a tooth removal is eligible for a tooth implant. Since both the procedures include similar tests for general health fitness. When age is a consideration for implant placement, people in any age group can get implants after clearing the medical fitness tests. However, in younger patients your dentist will want to wait till the growth of the jaws is completed. This will be about the 18 th year.
The health of your bone is the ‘Gold Standard’ for Implant procedures. Your dentist / Implantologist will recommend a series of X-rays and scans to access the availability of healthy bone. With very advanced technology available to your dentist today, virtual surgeries can be done. Your implantologist will be able to create the final picture and discuss the treatment possibilities with you.
Is my dentist update with the latest technology in Implants?
With extensive training modules available to dentists and the use of nano technology, your Implantologist is well versed with the latest developments in Implant surgeries. With newer methods like socket preservation therapy, partial extraction therapy and keyhole surgeries, your dentist can enhance the quality of the bone and also conduct painless surgeries.
Are dental implants expensive?
Dental implants are more expensive than fixed bridges. The success rate of implants is at 95% as opposed to the fixed bridges ( at 60%). Anyday, an implant will be a better option for single or multiple teeth replacement. If you weigh the cost versus the logetivity, implants win over the fixed bridges. The overall cost again depends on the severity of the case. There will be added costs if bone grafts have to be used. Talk to your dentist / implantologist regarding implants as a treatment option and your dentist will be able to help you with your queries.
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