Here’s a little known fact: People who don’t take care of their teeth and gums, and whose teeth are rotted and infected by age thirty, do NOT have an “easy out” by suffering through a full mouth extraction.
It seems so easy. Visit the dentist, have them pull out (extract) all your teeth, and then wear dentures. Or, if you’re willing to pay the price and have the time, replace every tooth with an implant. Or do nothing and live without teeth. But it’s not that simple.
Maintaining good oral health is not only essential for a beautiful smile but also crucial for your overall well-being. When dental issues progress, we dentists hear all too often “just take the tooth out,” but your dentist isn’t suggesting a root canal over extraction because they’ll make more money.
Keeping your natural teeth prevents bone loss, prevents shifting teeth, and prevents changes to your bite that can affect chewing.
Tooth extraction seems like a simple solution to dental problems, but it sets off a chain reaction that has long-lasting effects. Our teeth play a vital role in supporting the underlying bone structure. When a tooth is removed, the bone in that area loses its primary function, leading to a decrease in bone density. Ultimately, the bone disappears.
See a video of what a man’s face looks like, following full extractions. https://thepasadenatexasdentist.com/bone-loss-side-male-video/
Bone loss, or resorption, occurs when the jawbone no longer receives the stimulation it needs from the roots of natural teeth. Most loss occurs within the first eighteen months following the extraction, but will continue gradually throughout your life. The longer you can keep your natural teeth, the better!
After an extraction and as the bone diminishes, you can expect:
- Loosening of teeth surrounding the extraction site. As the bone from the extraction site deteriorates, the teeth on either side can lose support. This can eventually cause pain, loose teeth, and lack of retention for bridges or dentures.
- Difficulty fitting dentures, or getting dental Implants. For individuals considering dentures or dental implants to replace extracted teeth, adequate bone height and width is crucial. Insufficient bone will not hold dentures in the mouth, and can even prevent the successful placement of dental implants.
- Changes in facial appearance. The jawbone provides essential support to facial muscles and tissues. With multiple or full mouth extractions, the bone loss can cause a sagging appearance, making you look older than your actual age.
- Altered bite and speech. The natural alignment of teeth and the jaw plays a role in maintaining proper bite and speech. Bone loss can disrupt this alignment, leading to difficulties in biting and speaking.
The best way to avoid the negative effects of bone loss is to preserve your teeth. This includes:
- Early detection and treatment of dental issues. Regular dental check-ups help identify potential problems before they get worse. Timely treatment can often save a tooth from extraction.
- Root canal treatment. In cases of severe tooth decay or infection, root canal therapy can be a viable alternative to extraction. This procedure removes the infected nerve while preserving the natural tooth structure.
- Restorative dentistry. Dental crowns and other restorative procedures can help save damaged teeth, providing strength and functionality.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene habits including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings and exams. Taking care of your teeth and gums prevents dental issues such as periodontal (gum) disease that may lead to infections, teeth falling out, or extractions.
Taking care of your teeth and gums will give you far more than a healthy smile. It will give you a strong foundation for your oral and total body health. Remember to be true to your teeth, or they will be false to you!