To effectively prevent teeth from shifting after an extraction, a key strategy is to replace the missing tooth.
Understanding Tooth Shifting
After a tooth is extracted, the space left behind can cause surrounding teeth to gradually move or shift into that gap. While some degree of this movement is considered natural, steps can be taken to minimize its extent and maintain proper dental alignment.
Key Prevention Strategy: Replacing the Tooth
One of the most effective preventive measures against teeth shifting after extraction is the use of a dental bridge or implant to replace the extracted tooth. By filling the space where the tooth was, these replacements help to stabilize the bite and prevent adjacent and opposing teeth from drifting.
- Dental Bridge: A bridge is a fixed prosthetic device that spans the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It is typically anchored to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the space.
- Dental Implant: An implant involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial tooth root. A crown is then attached to the implant to replace the visible part of the tooth. Implants provide a stable, independent replacement for the missing tooth.
Implementing one of these solutions helps to restore the integrity of the dental arch and significantly reduces the likelihood of unwanted tooth migration, preserving the alignment of your smile.
