Reconstructive Dentistry

Oral Surgery/Tooth Extractions

Dr. da Costa may determine with you that a tooth needs to be extracted, which can occur for a variety of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), in preparation for orthodontic treatment, or are broken and cannot be repaired. A tooth may also be severely decayed or have advanced periodontal disease.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems involving your other teeth shifting, your ability to chew, and problems with your jaw joint. To avoid these complications Dr. da Costa will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.

During a tooth extraction, Dr. da Costa will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and surrounding gums with a local anesthetic. During the extraction process, there will be a sensation of pressure but no pain, as the anesthetic will numb the nerves. Detailed post-operative instructions will be given after the appointment along with any necessary pain prescriptions.

Dental Implant and Prosthetics

Dental implants are an increasingly popular way to replace missing teeth. They not only support crowns, bridges, and dentures, but they also take the place of the roots themselves.

Dental implants are fixtures of titanium, which are surgically placed into your jaw bone. The implant acts as an anchor for a crown or denture to fit over. When a crown is placed on an implant, most people can’t even tell it is an implant because it is so natural looking.

While dentures and removable partials are usually loose and unstable, implants provide you with dental replacements that are natural looking and very functional. Implants look and feel better than their removable counterparts and offer the same force for biting as fixed. Best of all, they will last a lifetime if properly maintained.

A dental implant requires no alterations to the adjacent teeth. Diligent daily oral hygiene is required for implants to stay clean and healthy. It’s also important to regularly visit Dr. da Costa for routine follow-up appointments and cleanings to keep your new smile healthy and bright!

Removable Dental Prosthesis

Dentures can replace missing teeth and can be utilized depending on your personal needs:

• Complete Dentures – These replace all of your teeth, upper and lower, and rest directly on your jaw. They require multiple appointments, allowing your dentist to take impressions of your mouth and fit the custom-made dentures for you comfortably. Together with your dentist, you’ll also choose the shape, color and size of the teeth used in your dentures.
• Immediate Dentures – Once teeth are extracted, it often takes months for your bone and tissue to stabilize for the placement of complete dentures. Immediate dentures are placed at the time of extractions and may require additional adjustments as the healing process continues.
• Partial Dentures – A removable partial denture attaches to your natural teeth with clasps that keep them in place, completing your smile by filling in the spaces created by missing teeth. Partial dentures are constructed of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases connected by a metal framework. Your natural teeth are used as stable supports for removable partial dentures..
• Overdentures – Giving dentures more stability and better fit, an overdenture is a type of denture that is placed over dental implants and typically “snaps” onto the implants.

The alignment of your jaw will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges shrink due to teeth extraction. Dentures will experience wear over time, and will need to be replaced or realigned in order to maintain proper jaw alignment. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for any changes or potential gum disease.