How to Prevent Bone Loss After Tooth Extraction
When a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or weakened, an extraction may be a necessary step towards renewed smile health and appearance. Once a tooth has been removed, it’s important to follow it up with a restorative treatment. Unaddressed space in your smile can potentially lead to bone loss and further complications, such as difficulty chewing and changes in face shape. Without a tooth root present, the jawbone will not be stimulated, and the jaw structure is more likely to recede.
At The Art of Dentistry, cosmetic dentist Robin Rutherford, DDS understands the importance of treating gaps left by missing teeth and is dedicated to providing his patients with beautiful and healthy smiles. Available treatments at The Art of Dentistry that can help restore your smile and minimize the chances of bone loss include:
- Single Tooth Implant – Designed to replace missing or severely damaged teeth, dental implants are a common smile restoration option. If a patient has sufficient jawbone density, the implant can be anchored into the bone with a titanium post and topped with a dental crown. For those with inadequate jawbone density, bone grafting may be necessary at first so the dental implant can be properly secured and supported.
- Implant-Supported Dentures – Patients missing a whole row of teeth may benefit from implant-supported dentures. This treatment combines features of both dental implants and dentures. Implants are surgically anchored into the jawbone and custom dentures are attached for a restored appearance and optimal functionality. This approach offers an innovative and more stable alternative to traditional dentures.
Along with restoring smile function and aesthetics, dental implants and implant-supported dentures can help improve a patient’s overall oral health and boost their self-esteem. Dr. Rutherford is experienced at performing both procedures and strives to provide natural-looking and long-lasting smile restorations.
For more information about restorative dental procedures, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rutherford, please contact The Art of Dentistry today.