If a tooth is badly damaged from decay or fracture and non-restorable, it can lead to a painful infection in the bone around the tooth and eventual dental extraction. In this case, the tooth must be extracted and an antibiotic is prescribed. Once a tooth is removed, the body naturally resorbs the surrounding bone over time. In other words, the jaw bone in that area shrinks. For the best long-term result, the next step is to replace the extracted tooth with an implant as soon as possible.
In order to prevent damage to this extent, it is important to keep up with your cleaning appointments every 6 months. The cleaning appointments include X-rays and an examination by the doctor. Cavities are detected while they are still small and fixed before they become a problem.