Your teeth have several responsibilities. Along with biting and chewing, the teeth also control airflow when you speak and contribute to your beautiful smile. The teeth see a significant amount of use. They can stand up to it because they are exceptionally strong. While strong, however, they are not impervious to damage. Accidents happen. Moreover, when your teeth are damaged, treatment is essential. Severely damaged teeth can have serious consequences. Not only can the teeth be further damaged, but they can develop infections that affect not only your oral health but your overall health as well. In most cases, damaged teeth can be treated and restored. However, if the damage is too severe, they may not be able to be fully restored, which can compromise the teeth and the health of your mouth. If you have several teeth that are beyond repair, Hunter Dental Care can help with multiple tooth extractions.Do I Need to Have My Teeth Extracted?
Multiple teeth may need to be extracted for a variety of different reasons.
| • | Facial trauma. Facial trauma can be the result of many different circumstances, a car accident, a fall at work, a collision while playing sports. Many facial injuries also lead to tooth injuries. All of these injuries can lead to fracture, or even shattered, teeth. While many fractured teeth can be corrected with crowns, when the damage extends below the gum line, crowns become ineffective. |
| • | Gum disease. Gum disease is a progressive oral health condition that causes irritation and inflammation of the gum tissue. When the tissue becomes inflamed, it begins to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets. Bacteria and other debris fall into these pockets. The bacteria begin to attack the jawbone and periodontal ligaments, which causes your teeth to become unstable. |
| • | Severe tooth decay. Tooth decay is the erosion of your tooth enamel that leads to cavities. When cavities go untreated, they continue to grow worse, destroying the structure of the affected tooth and putting it at risk for a serious infection. With serious tooth decay, fillings compromise the tooth, and the tooth may not be stable enough for a crown. |
Multiple Tooth Extraction Process
There are two types of extractions used for removing teeth. One extraction is known as a simple extraction. Simple extractions are straightforward. Done under a local anesthetic, the teeth are gripped and moved back and forth until the socket is wide enough. They are then lifted free.
The other type of extraction is a surgical extraction. This type of extraction is done in more complicated cases, such as the tooth is broken below the gum line. Done under a local anesthetic and sedation, incisions are made in the gums to expose the affected teeth and then all pieces are removed. Once finished, the gums are sutured closed.
Recovering After Your Multiple Tooth Extraction
Multiple tooth extractions are more invasive than a single tooth extraction, and therefore require a recovery period after your procedure is complete. Before you go home, you are provided with aftercare instructions that will provide you with information on how to deal with most common post-extraction issues, such as pain and swelling. Recovery will depend on how many teeth are extracted, but no matter how many are extracted, it is important that you rest and relax. You should avoid any strenuous activities, including heavy lifting, jogging and anything else that elevates your heart rate. It is also important to eat a diet of nutritious foods. However, you will need to avoid certain foods, such as those that are hard, sticky, or chewy. Opt for a diet of soft foods instead. As you heal, you can begin to resume your normal activities and your normal diet.
What are My Options for Replacement?
After your teeth have been extracted, it is important to have them replaced. There are a few options that are available.
| • | Dental Bridges. Bridges consist of replacement teeth between two crowns. The crowns anchor the restoration into place over your adjacent healthy teeth. These restorations are used to replace up to three missing teeth. |
| • | Dentures. Dentures are a removable prosthesis that consists of acrylic resin teeth in a hard, acrylic base. The base is made to rest directly on your gums. They can be used to replace sections of missing teeth or a full arch of missing teeth. |
| • | Dental implants. Implants use small titanium posts to support replacement teeth. The posts are surgically implanted into the jawbone. As you heal, the bone fuses to the implants, creating stable roots that are strong and immovable. |
While most damaged teeth can be restored, there are some cases in which extractions are necessary. Once your teeth have been extracted, they can be replaced, restoring your oral health, your appearance and your quality of life. If you have any questions, or need to schedule a consultation, call Hunter Dental Care today at (503) 622-9730.