If you are in agony, extracting your tooth may appear to be the simplest solution, notably if it is damaged or infected. But hold on, not so soon. Pulling that tooth may seem like a simple solution, but we want you to realize that it might not be the best choice. However, if you can save your tooth, keeping your natural teeth will be worth it. It is your choice to make whether to pull your tooth or save it. There is often confusion about whether to pull your tooth or save it. Our main objective is to provide you with all the facts and information needed before making the right decision.
Benefits of saving your natural tooth
- Your natural teeth have more strength. Natural teeth can withstand the stress of chewing the foods you enjoy, and as a result, they are stronger than lab-made teeth. The hardest substance in your body, tougher than bone, is the exterior covering of your teeth, known as dental enamel.
- Prevents teeth from shifting. You create a gap when you pull your tooth, which allows your neighboring teeth to shift. The shifting takes time, but it might cause problems with your bite alignment and chew. Additionally, this may result in other concerns like inadequate nutrition, pain, and a decline in quality of life.
- It helps in building confidence. Saving your natural teeth can make a significant difference in building your confidence. Due to the space after a tooth extraction, you can find it harder to grin.
- Less painful. Dental treatments such as fillings, crowns, and root canals may appear intimidating, but it is a common myth that they cause excruciating pain. When you visit our Oakville family dentist, you will receive treatment recommendations that will help you save your teeth and an environment that will help you feel comfortable during any planned procedures.
- Fewer dentist visits. Many further dental procedures are frequently required after a tooth extraction to help maintain your smile. Among these are dental implants, bridges, dentures, or other oral appliances that prevent bone loss at the site of missing teeth and prevent your teeth from shifting. Saving the teeth can result in fewer dental appointments to replace the missing tooth.
- Less cost. It is possible to achieve long-term savings by preventing tooth loss. Early detection of tooth decay and other oral disorders can assist in avoiding the need for costly restorations to replace missing teeth, such as dental bridges and implants.
How to save your tooth?
- Root canal treatment. Root canal therapy can help reduce pain caused by bacteria that have penetrated your tooth’s nerve or dental pulp. The procedure comprises removing the infected pulp and using a substance to encapsulate the root to help reduce the chance of further infection. Depending on your existing tooth structure and condition, teeth treated with root canals may also require a dental crown. Your ordinary dentist or a root canal expert may perform the root canal (endodontist).
- Dental fillings. After the dentist has removed any minor tooth decay, a dental filling is a routine procedure that helps cover the teeth. Various filling materials are available, including white composite and silver amalgam fillings, which are safe and effective in restoring decayed teeth.
- Dental crowns. More extensive decay or loss of tooth structure may necessitate dental crowns. A dental crown is an artificial tooth shell that fits over your natural tooth and matches the color of your adjacent teeth. These restorations safeguard your teeth from further damage and aid in your ability to chew food effectively.
When should you get a tooth extracted?
- Irreparable Tooth Damage. Sometimes extraction of a tooth is recommended to prevent the spread of a severe infection. It could happen if the germs have reached the dental pulp, the tooth’s innermost layer, but not to the extent that a root canal operation can save the tooth.
- Teeth Overcrowding. To allow for optimal alignment during orthodontic treatment, your dentist or orthodontist may advise the removal of several teeth (braces). Also, impacted teeth, like third molars, may need to be removed if the mouth is not large enough to accommodate them.
- Tooth damage due to trauma. A tooth that has experienced trauma may fracture or chip significantly and become irreparably damaged. Based on the level of tooth damage, your dentist will assess the tooth’s likelihood of survival within the mouth.
- Lack of Tooth Structure. Dental crowns may not be able to support a tooth that has inadequate tooth structure.
Dentistry on Dunn: Oakville Family Dentist can advise you on the best treatment alternatives to pull your teeth. Depending on your dentist’s advice, you might need to pull your tooth or save it. We are willing to address all your queries, reassure you, and provide the best treatment for a beautiful smile.