Taking care of your teeth with regular brushing, flossing and dental visits are essential for preventing oral health issues. Sometimes, however, despite your best efforts, problems can still happen. If several of your teeth have been damaged, we explore every possible restorative option, such as crowns and root canals. If the damage is too severe, though, restorations may not be effective and may compromise those affected teeth. In such cases, extracting those damaged teeth and replacing them is often for the best. At Johnson Family Dental, we can help by performing multiple tooth extractions.Reasons for Multiple Tooth Extractions:
There are several reasons why you may need to undergo a multiple tooth extraction.
| • | Facial trauma. Facial trauma can occur as the result of some different situations, a fall, a car accident, a sports injury. In some cases, these facial injuries can result in multiple damaged teeth. These injuries can result in shattered teeth or teeth with cracks that extend below the gumline. |
| • | Gum disease. As gum disease advances, it gets worse. What starts as red, swollen gums can quickly become more serious. Inflamed tissue pulls away from the teeth, creating pockets. Bacteria collect in these pockets and begin to attack the periodontal ligaments and jawbone, weakening them. This can lead to a significant loosening of your teeth. |
| • | Tooth decay. Tooth decay is the result of erosion caused by the acids produced by plaque and oral bacteria. When the enamel erodes, small pits known better as cavities form. Untreated, cavities continue to grow, weakening the structure of the affected tooth. The bacteria can also work its way into the interior of the tooth, leading to an infection. |
Extraction Procedure
Before determining multiple tooth extractions are the best solution, we first conduct a comprehensive oral exam. During this exam, we look closely at the teeth, assessing the visible damage. We also take x-rays, when allowing us to see the extent of the damage below the gumline. All restorative options are considered, but if they are more likely to harm rather than help, you will be recommended for extractions.
There are two types of extractions. A simple extraction, done under local anesthetic, is a straightforward process that involves gripping the teeth and moving them back and forth to widen the sockets. When the sockets are sufficiently wide, the teeth are removed.
The other extraction is a surgical extraction. This type of extraction, done under local anesthetic and sedation, is used in more complex situations. Incisions are made in the gums to expose the roots of the damaged teeth. We are then able to completely remove the teeth, including broken fragments. Once the teeth have been removed, the gums are sutured closed. Removing your wisdom teeth would be an example of surgical extraction.
Your Recovery
Unlike a single tooth extraction, multiple tooth extractions have a bit of a recovery period. During this time, it is essential that you rest. You should avoid bending, lifting heavy objects, running, jogging or any activities that are strenuous. Rest is key for your mouth to heal itself. You should maintain a nutritious diet of soft, and liquid, foods, especially in the early days after surgery. Avoid hard, crunchy, chewy or sticky foods. As you heal, you will be able to resume normal activities and eating habits.
Following your extractions, we provide you with specific aftercare instructions. These instructions will tell you how to deal with common issues such as pain and swelling, and when to call the office. Following your instructions will help to ensure a smooth recovery.
What Options are Available for Replacing Extracted Teeth?
After your teeth have been extracted, they will need to be replaced. Options available for replacing extracted multiple teeth include:
| • | Bridges. A dental bridge consists of replacement teeth that are anchored into place with dental crowns. This type of restoration can replace up to 3 missing teeth. |
| • | Dentures. Dentures are removable prosthetics that are made from molds of your mouth. The base, which holds your replacement teeth, rests directly on the gums. They can replace sections of extracted teeth, called partial dentures, or an entire arch of extracted teeth, a full denture. |
| • | Dental Implants. Implants consist of small titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. The implants integrate into the bone becoming strong roots that provide the support for your replacement teeth. |
While saving damaged teeth is preferable, it is not always in your best interest. For more information about multiple tooth extractions, call Johnson Family Dental today at (509) 886-8833.
