Whenever possible, dental professionals try to save existing, natural teeth. However, when a tooth has undergone extensive damage or decay—or has become a problem for another reason—it sometimes needs to be removed. A tooth extraction, however, is not the end of the story. Once a tooth is removed, a dental implant should immediately be placed.
Continue reading to learn more about why a dental implant in Jacksonville, FL, should be placed after a tooth is extracted.
Teeth serve many purposes. With functional teeth, people can bite and chew their food properly.
Teeth can also help people speak, allow them to whistle, and they can give people a beautiful smile.
However, when a tooth is missing and exposed gums are there, this can pose a dangerous situation for the exposed area. Bacteria, for instance, can start growing in the area where the missing tooth was due to food particles getting lodged in that space.
If left untreated, bacteria growth in the area of the missing tooth can lead to systemic health conditions if they travel from the mouth into other parts of the body through the bloodstream. This can potentially lead to issues with the heart, blood, lungs, and other organs. Therefore, it is critical to treat an area where a tooth is missing immediately, including the tooth roots.
Teeth are more than just the pearly whites that show above the gumline. A tooth root is just as critical as the top, the crown, of the tooth. Tooth roots sit deep in the jaw, stimulating the jawbone. In fact, tooth roots “tell” the jawbone it is there so that it stays strong and stable for lasting teeth and jawbone health.
When a tooth falls out, gets knocked out, or is extracted, the jawbone is no longer getting stimulated. As a result, the shape of the jaw begins to change, which can lead to further bone loss and shifting adjacent teeth. This is why getting dental implants in Jacksonville, FL, is the best option for improving jawbone health and giving patients lasting and functional smiles.
It is important for people to have a healthy jawbone. For those with missing teeth, dental implants can keep their jawbone stimulated and strong. A dental professional can assess a patient’s mouth and accurately place the necessary dental implants with precision using advanced technology. This way, a patient’s jawbone and teeth remain healthy and look great for a lifetime.
When you have missing or extracted teeth, your jawbone’s health and function are at risk. Be free from a damaged or dull smile with dental implants. Get in contact with our dentist, Dr. Jacqueline West, at our Jacksonville dental office to request an appointment today!