Dental Implants and Extractions
Kerr Family Dental offers dental implants as a reliable replacement option and extractions. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Kerr Family Dental in Osceola, IA, at (641) 342-6541.
Dental implants
Dental Implants Missing one or more teeth can significantly impact your daily life, making eating challenging and potentially affecting your self-esteem. Thanks to advancing technology that makes them easier to place and more successful, they are the closest thing to a natural tooth available today.
Replacing a Tooth With an Implant
First, an implant made of titanium—a robust and bio-compatible material—is placed into your jawbone. This might sound intrusive, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated and causes only mild discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. The integration of the implant with your existing bone usually takes several months. Once this process is complete, we can restore the tooth's function with a crown, bridge, partial denture, or complete denture.
Choosing the Right Tooth-Replacement Option
There are several ways to replace missing teeth, each with pros and cons. Dr. Kerr will discuss all available options to help you make an informed decision. A dental implant is typically the best choice if you are missing a tooth and the neighboring teeth are healthy. Unlike a bridge, an implant does not require the preparation of adjacent teeth and does not attach to them like a partial denture. This approach has the most negligible impact on neighboring teeth, giving them the best chance of long-term survival.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Many patients choose dental implants for their numerous benefits. Cosmetically, they blend seamlessly with your natural smile and function like a real tooth. Health-wise, they prevent remaining teeth from shifting by filling the gap in your smile and helping retain bone structure. Dental implants are also convenient and easy to care for, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods without worry. Since they are anchored in your jawbone, dental implants are highly stable.
Extractions
The need for a tooth extraction can cause significant anxiety. At Kerr Family Dental, Dr. Kerr and our team are committed to making your experience as comfortable as possible. While some extractions are more complex than others, we provide a caring and professional approach to ensure your treatment is smooth and stress-free. Teeth may need to be extracted for various reasons, including severe infection, insufficient tooth structure, unsuccessful root canal therapy, or preparation for complete dentures. Dr. Kerr will discuss all options and their prognoses with you to help you make an informed decision about your dental care.
Simple vs. Surgical Extractions
The type of extraction needed depends on multiple factors. Simple extractions are straightforward and are used for teeth that have already erupted through the gums. Surgical extractions may require stitches but are more complex and involve impacted teeth or dense bone. Although Dr. Kerr is highly experienced in performing extractions, some cases may require the expertise of an oral surgeon. If sedation is preferred or the procedure is more complicated, we can refer you to a reputable oral surgeon and coordinate your care.
Post-Op Care
Preparing for the days following your extraction can make recovery smoother. Stock up on soft foods like yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, and Jell-O. To avoid complications such as dry sockets, bite on gauze to ensure a suitable blood clot forms in the socket. Avoid using straws or smoking, as they can dislodge the clot and delay healing.
If you develop a dry socket, please call our office so we can examine it and provide treatment to ease your discomfort.
Need help finding what you're looking for? Simply call our friendly staff at (641) 342-6541.