Dental Implants After a Tooth Extraction

Your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction if you have a tooth that is too damaged to save by root canal or other measures. While extraction is always a last resort, it can be a good solution for resolving painful toothaches and gum abscesses. However, once your tooth has been removed, you’ll need to put something else in its place. Often, patients choose dental implants. Your dentist in Long Beach, CA, can help you decide whether dental implants are a good choice for you.

Why Must an Extracted Tooth Be Replaced?

There are several solutions for filling the space left behind by a lost or extracted tooth. A dental implant is one, and so is a dental bridge. These procedures are necessary because chewing and grinding food puts pressure on the jawbone beneath your teeth. This alerts the body that the bone is necessary and is being used frequently. However, if you lose a tooth and allow just the empty socket to remain, your body will assume the bone in that area is no longer needed. It will begin to reabsorb it, causing a host of dental difficulties down the road.

How Will My Dentist Place a Dental Implant After a Tooth Extraction?

The dental implant process involves cutting into the gum and implanting a small metal post into the jawbone. Over a series of months, the post bonds, or osseointegrates, firmly with the bone. At this point, your dental professional will add the abutment to the post. Last, they’ll add the crown, which looks like a natural tooth.

While it takes several months and more than one visit to your dentist to have a dental implant, once placed, it’s permanent. With the right care, it can last for 10 to 20 years, helping your teeth and jawbone remain healthy and giving you a more perfect smile.

Dental Implants in Long Beach, CA

To learn more about dental implants in Long Beach, CA, contact Dr. Andy Tang, DDS, today. The staff and clinicians at Dr. Andy Tang’s practice are friendly and professional, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure your comfort and satisfaction. Call today to schedule a consultation to discuss whether dental implants are right for you.

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