Want A ‘Problem’ Tooth Pulled? Read This First!

When a person wants a tooth extracted because it’s a ‘problem’ tooth, it’s often because it is requiring continual repairs. Unfortunately, ridding yourself of one problem can open the door to a long list of others.

Each tooth in your mouth holds other teeth in proper position. This includes the teeth on each side and the one above or below. A missing tooth enables neighboring teeth to ‘drift.’ This eventually leads to drifting of teeth adjacent to them, and so on. Misaligned teeth can lead to chips, broken teeth, night-time clenching or grinding, headaches, worn teeth, jaw joint pain and a higher risk of cavities and gum disease.

It is a fact that when a tooth is removed, if not replaced, the tooth next to the open space will be the next you’ll lose. Thus, replacing a missing tooth should occur as soon as possible. We recommend Dental Implants rather than a Crown-&-Bridge combination since implants use the jaw bone as their foundation, just as natural tooth roots. Crown-&-Bridge requires the crowning of otherwise healthy, natural teeth on each side to serve as supports for the bridged tooth.

Dental Implants provide another advantage as well. Since they are held in the jaw bone, they recreate the presence of a tooth root. This stimulates the bone to help the jaw maintain a healthy depth and mass. Like the gap left by a missing tooth, bone loss from missing tooth roots enable drifting of neighboring teeth. Implants, when placed soon after extraction, help you avoid that.

‘Problem teeth’ are often avoided with a healthy foundation of gum tissue and proper oral hygiene. Unless the tooth has been severely compromised due to periodontal disease or has broken below the gum line, removal is seldom the easiest and cheapest solution. Let’s first establish a healthy mouth so all teeth have a better environment with a reduced risk for problems. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation appointment.