Multiple Tooth Extraction
Bend, OR
Taking care of your teeth is essential for maintaining their health and their strength. However, even if you take proper care of your mouth, the teeth can still be faced with issues like physical damage or decay, which can compromise their strength and leave them vulnerable to infections. When damage occurs, the ideal solution is to restore the affected teeth, allowing them to stay in your jaw. However, in the case of severe damage, this may not be possible. When multiple teeth have been affected, Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend - Thomas E. Wold, DMD can provide treatment with multiple tooth extraction.
Reasons for a Multiple Tooth Extraction
Because your teeth are so important, the preferred solution is to save them following tooth damage. This is generally done with fillings or crowns. However, when the damage is severe, saving the teeth may not be possible. Following damage, a dental exam is necessary. We look over your teeth and examine your gum tissue. We also take X-rays, which enable us to see damage below your gum line, including root fractures and bone damage. We can determine the extent of the damage and the best course of action. Reasons for a multiple tooth extraction include:| • |
Physical trauma that leaves cracks below your gum line. The cracks may be visible in your crown and then travel below the gum line. In some cases, the cracks may be completely below the gums, unnoticeable to the naked eye.
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Severe tooth decay. With significant decay, a filling may cause the tooth to shatter. You may also not have enough natural tooth structure left to support a crown.
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Advanced periodontal disease. As periodontal disease progresses, bacteria travel below the gum line. They begin to attack your periodontal ligaments and your jawbone, causing these supporting structures to weaken. Eventually, they may no longer be able to hold your teeth in place. |
How are Multiple Teeth Extracted?
There are two ways in which multiple teeth may be extracted. One way is a simple extraction. A simple extraction is a fairly straightforward process that is done under a local anesthetic. An elevator loosens the tissue and ligaments from around the teeth. The teeth are then gripped individually with forceps and moved back and forth to loosen them further and lift them free.
A surgical extraction is used in more complex situations. This procedure is done under local anesthetic and sedation. Incisions are made in your gums to provide access to the roots of the damaged teeth and the surrounding bone. We then work to remove the teeth. In some cases, small amounts of bone may need to be removed as well. We may also need to section the teeth and remove them in pieces. Once the teeth have been completely removed, the area is cleaned, and your gums are sutured closed.
Replacing Multiple Teeth After Extractions
Following the extraction of teeth, replacement is needed. There are several options available. We go over all of your options to help choose the best one to meet your needs. Replacement options include: | • |
Bridges. A bridge replaces up to three consecutive missing teeth. There are a few different types of bridges, with a fixed bridge being the most common. A fixed bridge consists of replacement teeth set between two crowns, which anchor the restoration in place.
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Partial dentures. A partial denture is a removable prosthesis that consists of replacement teeth set into a colored gum base. The base rests directly on your gums, using the tissue for support. A partial denture also has metal clasps that help to hold the restoration in place.
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Dental Implants. Replacing multiple teeth can be done with a multiple teeth implant, also called an implant supported bridge. This restoration is used to replace a section of missing teeth, providing an alternative to a bridge or partial denture. Your replacement teeth are supported by titanium posts that are surgically placed into your jawbone. Your bone fuses to the posts as you heal, stabilizing them within your jaw. The replacement teeth are secured into place on the implants using small screws. |
If several teeth have been significantly damaged or decayed, a multiple tooth extraction, followed by tooth replacement may be the best option. For more information, and to schedule your consultation, call Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend - Thomas E. Wold, DMD today at (541) 389-0261. |
