Restorative Dentistry after Extraction

medium_restorative-dentistry-after-extractionWhen tooth decay spreads to the pulp of your tooth and a root canal can’t save it, an extraction is necessary to stop the spread of the infection into your bone. Yet, what happens after the tooth is pulled? At Turnagain Dental we not only provide in-office extractions, but also offer our patients several restorative dentistry options. Whether you choose dental bridges or implants, we will go over the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges use three attached crowns to fill in the space of a missing tooth. They will make your smile more complete and give you back the function of the missing tooth. To prepare your teeth for the bridge, the two teeth next to the missing one will be filed down so the crowns can fit over them, then the two outer crowns are attached to prepared teeth. These crowns are made from a tooth-colored porcelain material in order to make them look natural, yet are strong enough to endure years of chewing.

Pros:

  • More affordable than dental implants
  • Doesn’t require surgery
  • Little to no recovery time
  • Lasts up to ten years with good oral hygiene

Cons:

  • Healthy teeth must be filled in order for the bridge to be stable
  • Doesn’t reduce the risk of bone loss where the missing tooth was

Dental Implants

Dental implants use a titanium rod that is surgically implanted directly into the bone where the missing tooth was. Once the implant has healed, a crown will be placed on top of it to make your smile more cohesive. Oral surgery is needed for the implant to put in and there is some recovery time before the crown can be attached.

Pros:

  • Stops bone degeneration
  • Doesn’t require the damage of healthy teeth
  • Easy to brush and floss
  • Can last fifteen or more years with good oral hygiene

Cons:

  • Requires surgery and recovery time
  • More expensive than bridges

Restorative Dentistry

Extracted teeth can be functionally and aesthetically detrimental. Yet, with restorative dentistry we can replace the tooth through either dental bridges or implants. If you live in the Anchorage, AK area and would like more information on restorative dentistry, please contact our office today!