A tooth that has to come out is rarely just about that one tooth. What happens to the bone underneath it matters just as much, especially if a dental implant might be in the future.
Why Decide on a Replacement Before the Tooth Comes Out
Once a tooth is extracted, the bone that held it in place starts to shrink. Up to half of the bone needed to support an implant can be lost in the first year alone if nothing is done about it. That is why it helps to think about replacement before the extraction, not after.
What an Extraction Actually Involves
A tooth extraction is considered oral surgery when an incision has to be made in the gum to remove the tooth, with the site closed afterward with stitches. Southern York Smile Care has long offered oral surgery in York and Shrewsbury and rarely refers patients elsewhere for oral surgery extractions. Dr. Haywood has over 30 years of oral surgery experience, including wisdom tooth removal and sinus lift surgery, and served as a staff oral surgeon at Keesler Medical Center during time in the U.S. Air Force.
Replacing a Single Tooth: Implants and Other Options
A single tooth implant is made up of three parts: the post, the abutment, and the crown placed on top. An implant can sometimes be placed immediately at the time of extraction, though implants generally need at least 6-8 weeks to heal after surgery. A removable partial denture is another option — it clips into place, but it's often bulkier than an implant or a bridge, and it can affect how food feels or tastes.
Losing Several Teeth at Once
When all remaining teeth are coming out, the practice coordinates creating an immediate denture alongside the extractions. Removing multiple teeth at once can also call for alveoloplasty, smoothing the underlying bone so the gum tissue heals evenly.
Comfort During the Procedure
Sedation is offered for patients who'd rather be almost asleep for the appointment. Read more about sedation dentistry before your visit.
Talk It Through Before You Decide
Before any tooth comes out, it's worth talking through what comes next, including options like All-on-4 implants or a bone grafting procedure if that becomes relevant. Book a consultation or call (717) 235-3871 to talk it through first.
DDS cum laude 1987, US Air Force residency, NYU cosmetic training and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, with 35+ years in practice.
Meet Dr. Haywood →
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