Has a blockage in your bite ever happened to you post removal of a tooth? Getting a tooth extraction can help if decay, infection or crowding is causing you pain. However, they can also affect how your teeth fit together. Thus, managing your bite and jaw alignment post tooth extraction in NW Calgary is essential.
How Does Tooth Extraction Affect Your Bite?
After a tooth is removed, nearby teeth can slowly move into the space, leading to bite changes after extraction. Without a replacement such as a dental implant, bridge, or denture, teeth may tilt or become misaligned, causing uneven pressure while biting or chewing.
Changes that occur due to malalignment may not appear serious, but further along the line, they will affect your overall oral functions and comfort. For a balanced bite, dentists often suggest replacement options such as implants or bridges.
Why Jaw Alignment Matters After Extraction
When your bite is off, it can sometimes make your jaw hurt or work too hard. When your upper teeth and your lower teeth don’t hit naturally, it can mess with your bite. A dentist in NW Calgary will be able to check your bite and make sure your jaw is well-aligned after the extraction.
When your alignment shifts, it can also affect your TMJ or jaw joints, causing problems such as.
- Clicking or popping sounds while opening your mouth
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Uneven wear on teeth
- Headaches or facial soreness
Long-Term Effects of Tooth Extraction on Bite and Jaw Health
The extraction of a tooth, though not common, is the best solution when all other treatments fail. However, it often affects the structure of the mouth. Tooth extraction affects bite because it can lead to more than just tooth shifting. It can also impact your bone and jaw health.
Here’s what can happen if the gap remains unfilled.
- When a tooth is lost, the jawbone will slowly begin to shrink.
- The gaps can make the gums around them recede, changing the shape of the smile.
- When one tooth does all the work, others take a hit. They wear down quicker.
- Keeping your bite in check and jaw healthy could be a natural tooth replacement.
How to Maintain a Balanced Bite After Extraction
Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several ways to protect your smile after an extraction. You can prevent dental extraction and jaw health issues by following these simple steps:
- Place a new tooth: Choosing dental implants, bridges, or dentures is the way to go if you want to close your dental gap.
- Aftercare instructions given by your dentist: Recovery in the right way helps to essentially prevent infection and bone loss.
- Periodical dental visits: If your dentist detects your bite early, he will save you from discomfort.
- Good oral hygiene habits: Help to keep the gums healthy and the remaining teeth strong and stable.
Your dentist will be the one to advise you on the most suitable substitute for your requirements and ensure that your bite remains even and comfortable.
When to See a Dentist After Tooth Extraction
Even after your mouth has healed, you should keep follow-up appointments to confirm your bite. Visit a dental professional if you notice.
- Pain while chewing.
- Difficulty closing your mouth properly.
- Jaw tightness or popping sounds.
- Teeth feeling loose or shifting.
Getting evaluated early keeps your oral health in good shape and prevents problems later.
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Take Care of Your Smile After Tooth Extraction!
What about caring for your other teeth and jaw after a tooth removal? At Sage Hill Dental, we’re here to protect your oral health and comfort. If you are short of time in your busy schedule and still want to take some time off, then make sure to book a visit!
FAQs
Can losing one tooth really change my bite?
Yes, even one missing tooth can cause neighbouring teeth to move and alter your bite over time.
How soon should I replace an extracted tooth?
Dentists recommend replacing it within a few months so that there is no bone loss and no change in the bite.
Can a tooth extraction affect my jaw shape?
Yes, bone loss can very slightly change your jaw structure and thus your facial appearance.
What’s the best replacement option for a missing tooth?
Because they look, feel and work like natural teeth, dental implants are often chosen.
