The Benefits of Having a Dental Implant Secured During a Tooth Extraction Procedure
If you have a tooth that needs to be removed, then your dentist may discuss your options for replacement that can occur at the same time as removal. In some cases, it may be wise to have a dental implant secured in the jaw during the same surgery that is scheduled to remove the tooth. This can be advantageous in many ways. Keep reading to find out how.
It Can Reduce Bone Grafting Concerns
If your tooth needs to be removed due to a dental injury, large cavity, or a serious and widespread infection, then your jaw bone that supports the tooth is likely in good health. This is good news because healthy bone tissue is needed to secure the root of the implant. Bone health and the density of the jaw can become an issue if the tooth is removed without a replacement. Specifically, the jaw starts to deteriorate or break down and a divot develops in the bone.
Once the bone ridge deteriorates, you will need to go through a bone grafting procedure. This is an extra surgical procedure that can lengthen the implant process by at least a few months. If you can avoid it, then you can place less stress on your body. Also, you will limit your own discomfort by not having to go through another surgery.
In certain cases, you may need a smaller bone graft in the area. This can happen if the tooth has deteriorated significantly before removal and a great deal of bacteria have gathered near the tooth. These bacteria work their way under the gums and the microorganisms eat away at the tissue. Fortunately, smaller bone grafts can be created with bovine or synthetic bone material. The grafting can occur when the tooth is removed, and you will then need to wait to have the implant procedure completed.
It Can Reduce Complications
If you have a dental implant secured during a separate procedure, then your gums will need to be cut into a flap. This means the gum tissues will need to be injured in the process. This can create complications that include bleeding and infections. While these risks are also present when a tooth is removed, the tooth socket will already be open when the tooth is removed. If the implant is added at this time, then this means a single incidence of trauma to the gum tissues and a reduce risk of complications and bleeding risks.
You will also be given antibiotics to reduce infection risks. You may know that it is not healthy to take too many courses of antibiotics unless you have to. If you only go through the single oral procedure, then you can greatly reduce your intake of antibiotics. Basically, only the single course will be needed.
For more information on the best course of action to take for your tooth replacement, talk to a dentist like Scott W. Murphy, D.M.D., P.A.