Do you have a tooth that, despite every effort to save it, needs to extracted *? Unfortunately, an extensively damaged or decayed tooth can compromise your overall health and lead to more serious issues. Fortunately, your family dentist in Fort Lauderdale has a number of treatment options to replace that missing tooth following extraction including a dental bridge, a partial denture or an dental implant.
Dental bridges and partial dentures are traditional treatment options your dentist may suggest for tooth replacement. A dental bridge utilizes your own teeth as anchors for the replacement tooth which "bridges" the gap where a tooth was missing. Because teeth are subject to decay, dental bridges may need to be replaced every 5- 20 years. A partial denture is a removable appliance with a replacement tooth or teeth attached to a metal or plastic framework.
Your dentist may also suggest a dental implant. Dental implants are a newer technology for tooth replacement and have undergone many improvements in design in recent years. Dental implants utilize a titanium post in place of the missing tooth/ teeth root to support a dental crown or denture. The implant is not subject to decay meaning it should last a lifetime. Dental implants look, feel and function like your natural teeth.
When planning an implant following an extraction of one or more teeth, your Fort Lauderdale dentist recommends a bone graft. The bone graft, placed directly into the socket after tooth removal, will aid in healing of the extraction site, strenghten the jaw, and provide a stable foundation for the future implant(s). In the 3 to 6 months following tooth extraction, the alveolar ridge, the bony ridge that contains the sockets of the teeth, can shrink both in height and width. Because an implant requires a strong foundation of bone material in the jaw, minimizing any bone loss is important if an implant is the chosen course of treatment.
If you are in need of a tooth extraction and have decided an implant is the replacement option for you, a bone graft should be considered at the time of extraction. Call Dr. Gerard Wasselle at 954-928-1666 to schedule an appointment in our office on E. Commercial Boulevard to discuss your treatment options. As your family dentist, we are here for your entire treatment from extraction, to bone grafting, to placement of your dental implant and finally your implant crown. Acknowledging that the health of your mouth relates to the health of the whole person, our dentists are here to help you achieve a smile that is not only beautiful but also healthy.
*IV Sedation is available for our patient's comfort.
