Why You Need A Dental Implant After A Tooth Extraction
When faced with the prospect of a tooth extraction, undergoing further dental procedures like getting a dental implant may take time to consider. However, you should understand that these procedures are primarily for the benefit of your oral health and overall well-being.
Even though we offer tooth extraction in Shady Spring and Lochgelly, WV, we understand that you might need a dental implant after a tooth removal. Our dentists in Shady Spring want you to be fully equipped with the correct information; hence, they put together this blog post to help you understand why you need a dental implant after your tooth has been removed.
Reasons You Might Need a Tooth Extraction
Tooth extractions are a standard dental procedure performed for various reasons, including infection, trauma, overcrowding, and severe decay. An extraction may be the best course of action to prevent further complications when a tooth becomes irreparably damaged or poses a risk to your surrounding teeth and gums.
How Long Does a Tooth Extraction Take to Heal?
At Shady Spring Dental Care, we want you to know that the healing process after a tooth extraction varies depending on several factors. Some of those factors include adherence to post-operative care instructions, the individual’s overall health, and the complexity of the extraction. Generally, it takes about one to two weeks for the extraction site to heal initially, with complete healing typically taking several months.
What Can I Eat After a Tooth Extraction?
Following a tooth extraction, you should follow a soft or liquid diet, which will help you avoid putting undue pressure on the extraction site. Go for easy-to-chew foods that won't irritate or dislodge the blood clot forming in the socket.
Our dentists in Shady Spring recommend cooked vegetables, smoothies, soup (avoiding hot temperatures), mashed potatoes, pudding, and yogurt. It's essential to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, as well as beverages like alcohol and carbonated drinks, which can impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction, you can expect some degree of discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding in the first few days. These symptoms are typical and can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses applied to the outside of the face. We advise that you follow any post-operative instructions provided by our dentist.
These instructions may require you to avoid smoking, vigorous rinsing, and using straws, as these activities can delay healing and disrupt the blood clot. While most patients can resume normal activities within a day or two, you should give the extraction site adequate time to heal fully before engaging in strenuous physical activity or consuming challenging foods.
Top 4 Reasons You Need a Dental Implant After a Tooth Extraction
While the idea of replacing an extracted tooth may not initially seem imperative, here are compelling reasons why dental implants are often recommended post-extraction:
1. Prevents Teeth From Moving
When a tooth is extracted, neighboring teeth may shift over time, leading to misalignment and bite issues. Getting dental implants gives you a placeholder, preventing your adjacent teeth from moving out of their proper positions and maintaining your bite.
2. Preserves Jaw Bone Density
The roots of natural teeth stimulate the underlying jawbone, keeping it healthy and dense. When a tooth is extracted, this stimulation is lost, leading to bone resorption and potential jawbone deterioration. Dental implants mimic the function of natural tooth roots, preserving bone density and preventing bone loss.
3. Maintains Healthy Gums
Empty spaces left by extracted teeth can become breeding grounds for bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and infection. By filling these spaces with dental implants, you create a barrier that promotes healthy gums and reduces the likelihood of oral health issues.
Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, which sit on top of the gums, implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for replacement teeth and reducing the risk of gum irritation and inflammation.
4. Restores Appearance
Beyond the functional benefits, dental implants also provide aesthetic advantages by closely resembling natural teeth in appearance and function. They seamlessly integrate with your smile, restoring your confidence and enhancing your overall facial appearance. Whether smiling, speaking, or eating, you can enjoy the confidence of knowing your smile is complete and beautiful.
Comfortable Teeth Extractions and Dental Implants in Shady Spring, WV
If you're considering dental implants after a tooth extraction procedure in Shady Spring and Lochgelly, WV, rest assured that our team at Shady Spring Dental Care is dedicated to providing compassionate care and top-quality treatments before and after your tooth is removed.
With advanced techniques and personalized treatment plans, we strive to ensure a comfortable experience and outstanding results for every patient. Contact us to schedule an appointment today to begin your journey toward dental implant surgery.