Dental Implants vs. Tooth Extractions: What’s the Best Option?

Tooth decay, trauma, and gum disease are some of the causes of tooth loss. In addition, losing a tooth can affect your smile, which can lower your confidence as you’d not want to smile with a missing gap. On the other hand, staying with an affected tooth can harm you more than having it removed. However, you can opt to replace the missing gap by going to the dentist who installs dental implants in South Lake Tahoe and have them install an implant on the missing gap. So, what’s better: staying with an impacted tooth or having it removed and getting a dental implant installed? Read on to learn the risks and benefits of each dental procedure and its recovery period.

Comparing the Benefits and Drawbacks of Dental Implants vs. Tooth Extractions

Benefits Of Dental Implants

Dental Implants Act Like Natural Teeth

Dental implants are not expensive for nothing. This is because once they replace your missing tooth roots, they restore your full chewing power. Once the dentist near you installs the implants, you’ll chew and brush as normal.

Dental Implants Are Long Lasting

If you take good care of your oral health and implants, they can last a lifetime. Implants are made of zirconium oxide or titanium. Both materials are durable, but poor oral hygiene can sabotage their durability.

Dental Implants Prevent Osteoporosis

When you lose a tooth, the bone tissue that was supporting the tooth begins to wear out. This is a natural process known as osteoporosis. This is why you should go to the dentist who installs dental implants in South Lake Tahoe. The dentist will install an implant, and this will reduce bone loss.

Dental Implants Prevent Sagging Of Your Facial Skin

Tooth decay might call for you to visit the dentist who performs tooth extractions in South Lake Tahoe. Once the extraction is performed, you can have the dentist install a dental implant once the wound has healed or remain with a missing gap. Missing teeth can affect your face shape and cause your skin to sag. On the other hand, dental implants can offer more support to your cheeks and skin preventing skin sagging.

Drawbacks of Dental Implants

Implants are costly

The first drawback of dental implants is that they are costly. You might afford to have your tooth removed, but replacing it will cost you more.

Dental Implant Installation Is Invasive

There are lots of complications that might happen during dental implant surgery. This is because the implant is placed deep in your jawbone, and this can cause nerve damage and delayed bone healing.

Benefits Of Tooth Extraction

Reduces the Spread of Harmful Bacteria to Other Teeth And Gums

Harmful bacteria can erode your tooth, and the only way to prevent the bacteria from spreading to healthy teeth and gums is by removing the affected tooth.

Can Get Rid of Pain

Have you experienced excruciating pain in your tooth that does not go away even after taking painkillers? This might be because your tooth is severely eroded or damaged, and the only way to prevent further pain is by having the dentist remove it.

Can eliminate the problem for good

Whether it is a damaged nerve, sensitive or eroded tooth, having it removed can be more beneficial than having the tooth in the first place. A dental implant will be a good substitute for a damaged tooth.

Risks Associated with Each Procedure

Risks Of Dental Implant Surgery

• It can cause nerve damage.
• Infection at the area the implant is placed.
• Implant failure.

Risks Associated with Tooth Extraction

• It can lead to nerve injury or damage.
• Excess bleeding that lasts more than 12 hours.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Severe chills and fever can indicate an infection.
• Cough.
• Dry socket condition due to smoking.
• Swelling at the area extraction site.

Recovery Time for Each Procedure

What Is the Recovery Period After Tooth Removal?

After getting your tooth removed, you will need to relax for the first 24 hours before you resume your normal routine. If you follow the guidelines given to you by the dentist, you should be good to go in just a few days. During this period, you should avoid hard foods like nuts and smoking as it can cause dry socket.

What is the recovery period for Dental implant surgery

The Tahoe dentist states that it takes about 2-4 weeks to recover from dental implant surgery fully. Nevertheless, the recovery period varies with the patient as osteointegration has to occur. This might mean that the overall process can take a whole year.