Having to get tooth extractions can be scary, but tooth extractions are a common procedure that is often necessary to protect your overall oral health. If you have to get tooth extractions in Brandon, you may be wondering about the long-term effects of this treatment. Many people have heard that getting a tooth removed can affect the structure of your face. While this is possible, the reality is a bit more complex.
What Can Tooth Extractions Do to Your Facial Structure?
Your teeth have roots that extend far into your upper jaw, which also includes parts of your nose and eye sockets. When you get a tooth extracted at a dental clinic near you, your dentist must remove all roots. Since the roots of your teeth are an integral part of your facial structure, it is possible to experience changes to your face shape after getting a tooth extraction.
If you find that you are in need of a tooth extraction but are worried about the possible changes that it will cause in your facial structure, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of this happening.
Why Do Facial Changes Occur?
As stated above, the roots of your teeth are an essential part of your facial structure. When you get a tooth extracted, the part of your jaw that had the tooth remodels itself to adjust to the change. This involves the gradual recession of the bone and gum line where the tooth was.
It is important to note that not everyone will experience a change in facial structure after a tooth extraction, but it is a distinct possibility. If an upper tooth is removed, it may result in some parts of the face looking sunken in, and if a lower tooth is extracted, it may exaggerate an under-bite or result in asymmetry.
What Can You Do to Reduce the Risk of Changes in Your Face?
It is a good idea to speak to your dentist about post-extraction options before undergoing tooth extractions near you. Here are some common options:
• Dental implants
• Dental bridges
• Bone grafts
Many dentists recommend bone grafts following a tooth extraction. A bone graft encourages your jaw to produce more bone and helps lower your risk of bone recession.
Your dentist may also recommend a dental implant to replace the missing tooth. Dental implants involve an artificial tooth root and tooth replacement, which works to stimulate the jaw in the same way a natural tooth would and prevent bone deterioration.
If you are not a candidate for dental implants, you may be a candidate for dental bridges, which is where an artificial tooth is placed in the gap by attaching to the natural teeth surrounding the gap via dental crowns.
Contact Chancellor Dental
While the prospect of facial changes due to tooth extractions is scary, our team is here to help. When you visit our dental clinic in Brandon for tooth extractions, our dentist will take the time to speak with you about post-operative options and ensure that your risk of facial changes is as low as possible.
At Chancellor Dental, we value your oral health and well-being above all else. Our dentist will only recommend a tooth extraction if it is in the best interest of your overall oral health, and we have a variety of tooth replacement options available. If you have any further questions or concerns about tooth extractions and how they may affect your facial structure, please feel free to contact our clinic today.
