Tooth Extraction Consequences Are Severe, But You Can Avoid Them
Tooth extraction consequences are more than just the loss of one tooth. They include: the loss and faster decay of other teeth, bone loss in the jaw, drifting teeth, chronic pain from misaligned teeth, as well as psychological and emotional effects of a changed physical appearance.
There are two main solutions for avoiding these or other future issues: getting a dental implant, or installing a dental bridge to fill the gap of a missing tooth. (Another option is to wear a removable prosthesis.)
Get advice from your dental professional for restorations before extracting a tooth, because the longer that gap remains, the more severe the consequences will be. That is why it is important to address this issue as soon as possible, to avoid unnecessary problems with your teeth. But even if you have waited a longer time after tooth extraction, the good news is that many of the problems mentioned above are reversible.
Five Biggest Consequences of Tooth Extraction
Before we get into the specifics of what a tooth bridge is or the different types of bridges, let’s take a closer look at why tooth extraction can cause bigger problems than a simple gap. The thing is, there is nothing simple about it, and even if you think, “It’s in the back, so no one can see it,” a gap is still a big deal.
Here are five of the most common long-term tooth extraction consequences:
Tooth Loss and Tooth Decay
Leaving a space where your tooth has been extracted puts stress on your other healthy teeth. They are at a higher risk of chipping or fracturing.
The surrounding teeth will also try to compensate for the gap, which can lead to them shifting. This leaves room for pieces of food and makes it easier for cavities to set in. As for the missing tooth’s “antagonist” (the tooth in the opposite jaw), it will also be out of alignment and susceptible to faster decay.
If left unaddressed, further tooth loss can result from that one gap after tooth extraction. That is why bridging the gap stops these problems from occurring.
Bone Loss in the Jaw
Many people may not realize that the jaw needs roots in order to maintain its structure. And repeated contact between teeth stimulates regeneration of the jawbone. Therefore, the loss of one or more teeth means that the jawbone will start to shrink and weaken. This will also lead to changes in physical appearance as the face sinks in, losing its definition.
Drifting Teeth
As we already mentioned, the remaining teeth try to close the gap by moving and shifting out of alignment. If not corrected, this will cause an uneven bite and a series of other problems. These natural movements can not only leave you more susceptible to cavities and gum disease but also lead to bone loss in the long term.
If you don’t address the extracted tooth immediately, you could face much more severe issues later. That can also be more expensive in the long run than simply installing a dental bridge soon after your tooth has been removed.
Chronic Pain
As time goes on, all these changes in the jaw caused by the missing tooth may result in chronic pain. Misaligned teeth can contribute to migraines. The jaw pain can radiate throughout the face and neck, even manifesting in the back.
The Emotional Impact of Altered Features
If you have lost several teeth, you may start noticing changes in your appearance. The lower part of your face may sink in. With bone loss in the jaw, the jawline will look different. Also, some people may feel bad about smiling or talking because they are self-conscious about gaps in their teeth. In addition, chewing and eating could become painful. All of this may lead to loss of joy in simple daily activities.
Great news is that fixing the gaps has an almost immediate effect on your emotional well-being.
Avoiding Tooth Extraction Consequences
The best way to avoid unpleasant and dangerous consequences of tooth extraction is to close the gap immediately. Depending on various factors, your dentist may recommend a dental implant or a dental bridge. It’s a good idea to inform yourself of all your options even before the tooth extraction, so you can discuss them with the dentist and prepare yourself.
Read on to find out about different types of dental bridges, including implant bridges.
Types of Dental Bridges
A tooth bridge is a pontic, or a false tooth, which is held in place by the abutment teeth on either side of the gap. Pontics are most often made from porcelain in order to blend in better with natural teeth.
The four main types of dental bridges are:
- traditional
- Maryland
- cantilever
- implant-supported
A traditional bridge is used when people have natural teeth on both sides of the gap. The false tooth is, then, held by the dental crowns cemented onto each of the adjoining teeth. The Maryland dental bridge is similar to the traditional type, but instead of dental crowns, it uses a metal or porcelain framework.
When you only have one natural tooth adjacent to the missing tooth gap, you can get a cantilever dental bridge. In this case, only one dental crown holds the pontic in place.
On the other hand, implant-supported bridges do not use crowns or frameworks to support the pontic. Dental implants are placed for every missing tooth and these implants hold the bridge.
Dental Implant vs Implant Bridge
Some people might get confused about the difference between a dental implant and an implant bridge. Put simply, an implant is a replacement for your lost tooth. An implant bridge, however, requires two steps:
- a surgery to embed the implants for every missing tooth
- a second treatment to place the bridge
It is probably the most stable and the strongest system, but it can take a few months to finish the whole process.
Conclusion
Tooth extraction consequences can be severe down the line if we do nothing to address them. Fortunately, we can prevent many dental problems that arise from this by installing a dental bridge or implant to close the gap left by the missing tooth. And in cases where gaps may have already started causing issues, a dental bridge may reverse the damage and stop further decline.