Why It's A Good Idea To Replace Your Extracted Tooth With An Implant

When you need to have a tooth removed, your dentist will often give you the option of replacing it with an implant. Some patients do turn this offer down. Sometimes, they just don't want to have more dental work done because they assume it will be painful. Other times, the cost of an implant may be a turn-off. Ultimately, it is your decision whether or not to have your extracted tooth replaced with an implant. However, there are some very distinct benefits that come with getting an implant.

You'll protect the structure of your jawbone

Your tooth roots extend into your jawbone. Every time you bite down, some pressure is put on your jawbone. This triggers your jawbone to keep producing new bone cells, keeping itself healthy and strong. Remove the tooth, and you remove this stimulus, which causes the jaw bone in that area to weaken and erode over the years. If you later decide you want an implant, years down the road, your jawbone may not be strong enough to support it. Getting an implant early on will prevent this deterioration in the first place since the new implant will stimulate the jaw bone similar to a natural tooth.

You'll be more confident

Unless the tooth you're having removed is a back molar, people will know you're missing a tooth when they look at you. This can make a lot of people feel self-conscious. Even people who are generally confident in their appearance can feel anxious and unsure of themselves once they lose a visible tooth. A dental implant will look just like a natural tooth once you're healed. Maintaining your self-confidence is important for your career and relationships, so this is a benefit that deserves more weight than you might initially think.

You'll protect the neighboring teeth

When you're missing a tooth, it can be hard on the teeth on either side of the gap. They may experience pressure that pushes them towards that empty space. The lack of a tooth root on one side may also cause the jaw bone beneath those other teeth to be compromised. Replacing one tooth with an implant may save you from having to have more extractions in the coming years.

When you have a tooth extracted, dentists generally give you the option of getting an implant shortly after. This is not the right choice for absolutely everyone, but it does have benefits for most.

Reach out to a local dentist to learn more about dental implants.