It’s normal for children to lose all their primary teeth between ages 6-12, and the adult teeth that take their place are meant to last a lifetime. But unfortunately, teeth don’t always last forever.
An estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one adult tooth. Extraction is often the best treatment option for advanced decay, but when a tooth gets pulled, it can threaten the health of nearby teeth. The solution? Regenerative therapy.
About 90% of adults aged 20-64 have tooth decay. Decay starts with bacteria in your mouth that creates a sticky film called plaque.
You can remove plaque with regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings. But if plaque gets left behind, it hardens into tartar. Tartar starts breaking down tooth and gum tissue, causing gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease.
If left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. The bacteria spreads deeper into your mouth, eventually infecting your jawbone and causing significant decay and discomfort. Periodontal disease is extremely common, and it affects 2 in 5 American adults.
Dentists typically try to save natural teeth whenever possible. We specialize in advanced periodontal treatments like scaling and planing and laser assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP®) laser dentistry.
These treatments can stop and even reverse many types of tooth damage, but not every tooth can be saved. You might need an extraction if you have a tooth or teeth that suffered severe damage or decay.
When you get a tooth extracted, it leaves behind an empty socket. The gap puts you at risk of a handful of complications, from bleeding and painful dry socket to bone loss and shifting teeth.
At Arcadia Perio, we have extensive experience in regenerative techniques to reduce your risk of complications after extraction and actually improve your oral health. Regenerative therapy can preserve your tooth socket, protect your remaining natural teeth, and prepare you for a dental implant.
Regenerative therapy stimulates your body’s natural healing process to regrow and strengthen bone and gum tissue. We place a special membrane over the exposed bone in your tooth socket to preserve bone volume.
The material fills the gap left by the extracted tooth, and it supports healthy bone growth. The process helps your bone regenerate and get stronger, and it helps you avoid loosening nearby teeth. Depending on your needs, we may also perform a bone or gum tissue graft.
Once the bone and surrounding tissues are healthy and strong, you may be a good candidate for a dental implant. Regenerative therapy creates a strong base in your jaw for a long-lasting and durable replacement tooth.
No one wants to have a tooth extracted, but regenerative therapy means you don’t have to suffer the negative side effects of traditional extraction. Find out if you’re a good candidate with a consultation at Arcadia Perio. Book online or call our Arcadia, California, office at 626-600-2009 today.
