Although a tooth extraction requires only local anesthesia and typically takes just a few minutes to perform, it can affect your oral health for years to come. This procedure should not be chosen lightly. Sometimes, however, removing a tooth is the only way to resolve a serious oral health problem.
What happens if you need a tooth extraction? Learn more about how tooth extractions affect your bite and jaw alignment and the long-term effects it may have on your bite, jaw, and overall facial structure.
What Is a Tooth Extraction and How It Affects Your Jaw Alignment?
A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Usually, this procedure is performed because of severe decay or physical trauma, though overcrowding can also prompt it.
To perform an extraction, a dentist will numb the area around the targeted tooth and then loosen it from the socket. For teeth that are visible and accessible, this process is relatively simple.
Some extractions are more complicated, though. Impaction is a common reason for tooth extraction. To remove an impacted tooth, your provider will have to make a small cut in your gums. If the tooth is at a strange angle or otherwise difficult to extract, your provider may break the tooth up into many pieces before removing it.
How Tooth Extractions Affect Your Jaw
Your teeth are meant to work together, so if one is removed, your entire jaw can be affected. These changes can also influence jaw alignment and lead to bite problems or even orthodontic issues.
Shifting Teeth
Removing a tooth leaves a gap. Neighboring teeth, adjacent teeth, or remaining teeth can tilt or shift toward this gap, especially if the tooth that was removed was not a wisdom tooth. The shift is so subtle that you may not even notice it’s occurring.
Altered Bite
When your teeth move, even slightly, your bite changes. Your upper and lower jaws may no longer fit perfectly together. It may feel uncomfortable to eat, and you might even find yourself biting your cheek or your tongue more often than you used to.
An altered bite is more than just uncomfortable, however. It can place uneven pressure on some teeth, making them more likely to suffer damage. Enamel can crack and, if you have crowns or dental bridges, they can suffer from this increased and uneven pressure.
Jawbone Density Loss
One of the most serious consequences of a tooth extraction is its effect on your jaw. Your jawbone depends on the roots of your teeth to form new cells. This happens when you bite down, stimulating the bone. When you’re missing a tooth, however, the root is no longer there to provide this stimulation.
Over time, your jawbone can lose some of its density. This can cause instability in other teeth, and they can become loose and at risk of decay. The shape of your jaw may change, too, especially if you have more than one missing tooth.
Development or Worsening of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Temporomandibular joint disorders cause pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints that move your jaw. These disorders can occur as a result of the imbalance of shifting teeth, which could create tension and pressure. The pain and discomfort can be severe enough to require physical therapy.
Protecting Your Jaw and Bite After a Tooth Extraction
After undergoing a tooth extraction, you should know your options for managing the gap to protect your jaw. One of the most effective treatments is dental implants. An implant is made up of a titanium post that is inserted into your jaw, functioning like the root of your tooth.
The post holds a crown that matches your other teeth, giving you a natural look. Implants are an appealing option for replacing visible teeth because of how seamlessly they fit into your mouth. They are also tough enough to replace molars.
Dental implants allow you to use the power of your full bite again. Unlike dentures, you don’t have to worry about them slipping out of place when you eat. Implants last for decades, too, if you take care of them well.
Receive the Assistance You Need After a Tooth Extraction From Dr. Brett Langston
If you think you might need a tooth extraction, turn to an experienced dental specialist. Dr. Brett Langston offers assistance to people throughout the Atlanta area who are in need of dental care. For everything from emergency tooth extractions to cosmetic procedures, you can depend on our clinic.
After your extraction, our team will help you explore options to protect your bite, jaw, and alignment. Solutions like dental bridges and implants can prevent long-term effects such as bone loss and teeth shifting. Contact our team to book a visit today.
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