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Do I Need a Graft for Lost Buccal Bone During Teeth Extraction?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I had oral surgery to remove three teeth in preparation for dental implants. After the extractions, my dentist explained that the buccal bone for two of the three teeth was damaged. She recommended bone grafting right away and could complete it that same day. I declined the bone graft because I was unsure if it was necessary. Is a bone graft essential after buccal bone loss? Thanks. Monika P. from Stone Mountain, GA

Monika,

Buccal bone damage can result in the need for bone grafting to support dental implants.

What Is the Buccal Bone?

The buccal bone is a crucial component of the alveolar ridge on the cheek side of your jawbone. The alveolar ridge and associated bones hold the tooth sockets and support the teeth.

How Does the Buccal Bone Affect Dental Implant Placement?

Dental implants require enough jawbone volume to ensure long-term stability and success. A weak or thin buccal bone plate may not be able to provide adequate support for dental implants. In such cases, a dentist or oral surgeon may recommend a bone grafting procedure to increase the bone volume and create a better foundation for implant placement.

Bone grafting involves adding additional bone material to the area. It typically takes three to four months to heal before getting dental implants. Your dentist will include healing time in your treatment plan.

What If You Refuse a Bone Graft?

If you decline a bone graft, your dentist or oral surgeon may decide dental implant placement is too risky. Implants placed in areas with insufficient bone volume are at risk of loosening or failure. Additionally, infections can occur if the bone is irritated or compromised, further jeopardizing oral health.

Is Your Buccal Plate Too Thin?

Your dentist or oral surgeon should take a 3-D CT scan of your jaw to determine the density of your buccal plate. This imaging technology provides a detailed view of the bone structure. If you have concerns about the findings, consider getting a second opinion from a skilled implant dentist or oral surgeon.

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team strive to offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.

 

How Long Can I Delay a Tooth Extraction?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

How long can I wait for a tooth extraction? Years ago, I got a gold cap on a second molar tooth. Then, in 2010, I had to get a root canal on it. The gum around the tooth got infected recently, so my dentist gave me some antibiotics and sent me to a specialist. The specialist said the tooth is cracked and won’t survive another root canal. She suggested pulling it out. She prescribed antibiotics first.

The infection’s gone now, thanks to the antibiotics, but I’m really not looking forward to losing the tooth. I’m thinking about leaving it alone and only pulling it if it gets infected again. Does that sound reasonable, or are there any problems with waiting? – Thanks. Dylan

Dylan,

We understand your hesitation about extracting the tooth, but we wouldn’t recommend waiting for it to become infected again before acting.

While penicillin has helped manage the infection, it hasn’t eliminated it. Once the antibiotic course is complete, the infection will likely return and worsen, leading to increased discomfort and potentially more complex treatment.

Additionally, extracting a tooth with an active infection can be less ideal. Addressing the infection first with antibiotics minimizes risks associated with the extraction process. The tooth can feel better after completing antibiotics, but it still requires extraction to prevent recurring infections, dental emergencies, and antibiotic resistance.

We recommend discussing this further with your dentist to determine the best course of action for your oral health.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post.

Why Not Extract My Second Molar vs Doing a Root Canal?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Diagram of a second molar tooth

Second molar

My dentist wants to try to save my tooth with root canal treatment and a crown. However, I want the tooth extracted because it’s a back molar. Why should I go through the time and expense of a root canal and a crown? I would rather spare myself the expense and risk of something going wrong with the tooth. Am I overlooking something? – Truman from Chicago

Truman,

Losing a second molar has fewer complications than losing other teeth. There isn’t a tooth behind it to tip forward if the second molar is missing. If you lose the lower second molar, you may lose the upper one because, without the opposing tooth, it eventually drifts and bites on the lower gum. You can manage without a second molar if the teeth in front of it remain for chewing food.

On the other hand, keeping the second molar is beneficial if you lose a first molar later. Missing both teeth will decrease your chewing efficiency. The chances of a root canal failing in a molar tooth are low—only about five percent fail.

You can consider getting a second opinion from an endodontist (root canal specialist) about the chances of saving the tooth and having it viable for years.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.

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