In dentistry, quite a large portion of time and energy are devoted to preserving the teeth. With science and technology, we have learned how to rehabilitate almost any tooth, in virtually any condition, in order to preserve and protect as much of the natural anatomy as possible.

However, sometimes a tooth extraction is a welcome solution or the only solution. For instance, when a tooth is severely broken or decayed, a root canal treatment has been unsuccessful, a traumatic injury has fractured the tooth root, or periodontal disease has destroyed the supporting bone, the risk of saving the tooth may suddenly begin to outweigh the benefits.

When faced with these circumstances, you might speak to your Downtown oral surgeon about having the tooth taken out, and with some prior planning it could be a decision that is much better for your health. Before having the tooth removed, ask about your treatment options for having it replaced. In most cases, the highest standard for tooth replacement is the dental implant.

Dental implants are artificial teeth that can be placed in the space where a natural tooth has been extracted. They function as well as a natural tooth, feel comfortable during chewing, and look realistic when you smile.

The procedure for having an implant placed has become more sophisticated and simplified over the previous four decades, thanks to unprecedented research and clinical trials. For some patients, the replacement tooth can often be implanted into the bone during the same procedure in which the natural tooth is removed. There are several circumstances, however, that will require a brief healing period before the implant can be inserted.

With the knowledge that you are interested in dental implants or considering the procedure for your future can influence your oral surgeon’s management of the extraction site. Your surgeon may wish to add, remove, or reshape the bone and the tooth socket in order to create a healthier environment for an immediate or a future implant.

You can learn more about your treatment options following a tooth extraction by contacting our skilled team of oral surgeons, Drs. Steven Koos DDS, MD and Brian Shah DDS, MD, for a consultation today.