Smile With Confidence Again: A Complete Guide to Dental Implants and Tooth Replacement Options

When Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

Sometimes, saving a damaged or infected tooth isn’t possible, and tooth extractions become necessary to protect your overall oral health. Common reasons for extraction include severe decay that has reached the tooth’s nerve, advanced periodontal disease, trauma that has fractured the tooth beyond repair, or overcrowding that prevents proper orthodontic treatment. Wisdom teeth extractions are also frequently needed when these third molars don’t have enough room to emerge properly or when they cause pain and infection.

At Toluca Advanced Dentistry, we use advanced techniques and sedation options to ensure your extraction procedure is as comfortable as possible. We’ll discuss replacement options immediately after extraction to prevent the complications that can arise from leaving gaps in your smile. In many cases, we can place a dental implant in the same appointment as your extraction, streamlining your treatment and reducing overall healing time.

Treating Infected Teeth: When Time Is Critical

An infected tooth requires immediate professional attention to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your body. Common signs of tooth infection include severe, throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, swelling in your face or cheek, fever, and a foul taste in your mouth. These infections typically result from untreated decay, trauma, or failed previous dental work that has allowed bacteria to reach the tooth’s inner pulp.

Treatment options for infected teeth depend on the extent of the infection and the tooth’s overall condition. In some cases, root canal therapy can save the tooth by removing the infected tissue and sealing the tooth to prevent reinfection. However, when the infection is too severe or the tooth structure is too compromised, extraction followed by immediate implant placement may be the best option to restore your oral health quickly and effectively.

Insurance and Investment Considerations

Many of our patients are surprised to learn that their PPO insurance plans often provide significant coverage for necessary dental procedures, including extractions and sometimes even implants. We work closely with most major insurance providers to maximize your benefits and make treatment as affordable as possible. For patients without dental insurance or those seeking additional savings, we offer our in-office membership plans—Gold and Platinum options that include regular cleanings, comprehensive exams, and up to 15% off additional services. For procedures not fully covered by insurance, we also provide flexible payment options and financing plans that allow you to get the care you need without delaying treatment.

The investment in quality dental care pays dividends in improved health, confidence, and quality of life. Dental implants, while requiring a higher initial investment than some alternatives, often prove more cost-effective over time due to their durability and the fact that they don’t require replacement like traditional bridges or dentures.