Best To Replace Tooth With Dental Implant Promptly After Removal

Posted on Mar 23, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Even with the best of care, a tooth needs to be removed. Removal may be necessary because of an injury or break that extends below the gum line. Occasionally, removal is necessary when a tooth needs repair beyond what a crown can provide. When it is necessary to remove a tooth, there are several reasons to replace it immediately.

For many people, appearance is an important reason for placing an implant and crown right after tooth removal. Immediate replacement means they can avoid having an awkward and embarrassing gap in their smile. More importantly, however, is making sure that neighboring teeth are kept in their proper positions.

When an open area exists, the teeth on either side and the one above (or below) no longer have their reinforcement. The teeth on each side will tilt inward to the open area and the tooth above will grow longer. This begins a process of bite misalignment.

The delicate balance of upper to lower teeth is vital to your oral health, and beyond. A misaligned bite leads to cracked, broken, fractured or chipped teeth. Because an improper bite places strain on the jaw joints (TMJ), it can lead to frequent headaches, migraines, worn teeth (from grinding or ‘bruxing’), sore or popping jaw joints, difficulty opening the mouth fully, ear ringing, dizziness and sore facial muscles.

Before other teeth can move, it is wise to replace the tooth. As a lasting solution to a missing tooth, many adults choose to replace it with a dental implant immediately following removal. In addition to helping neighboring teeth hold their proper positions, another advantage is the prevention of bone loss. By inserting an implant immediately after a tooth is removed, you minimize the risk of bone loss, or ‘resorption.’

The process of resorption is when a tooth root is no longer present in the jaw bone. Because tooth roots stimulate and nurture the bone, their absence leads to bone shrinkage over time.  The declining foundation of bone places adjacent teeth at the greatest risk of being the next to be lost. This tends to set off a domino effect. Statistics show that the next tooth you’ll lose will be the next tooth in line.

Another benefit of immediate implant placement is the preservation of natural gum contours. Within days of having a tooth removed, the natural arch of gum tissue and the ‘points’ of gum tissue that dips between the top of each tooth will start to flatten. Placing an implant promptly following tooth removal helps to preserve the natural contours of your gum tissues. And the gums provide a natural frame for teeth, offering both esthetic appeal and protection.

Immediate replacement is also beneficial when two (or several) teeth in a row are missing. Because implant treatment fees are largely based on the number of implants placed, having one implant support a bridge of teeth saves you money while also preserving natural gum contours.

Additionally, since the positions for an implant (depth, angle, etc.)  in your jaw bone is already at proper dimensions, placing an implant following removal greatly simplifies treatment time, healing and procedural requirements.

To discuss immediate placement implants or any type of dental implant, call 828-274-9440. As a Periodontist, I have advanced training and skills in the diagnosis and placement of all types of implant systems. Begin with a consultation to discuss the implant best for your needs, the implant process and associated fees.