When a tooth is severely damaged or infected, tooth extraction is the most recommended dental treatment. But, not all decayed or damaged teeth should be removed. Let your dentist advise you on removing the tooth or save it for improved dental health. Oftentimes, people get confused about saving a tooth or pulling it. In some situations, dental treatment can be performed to save the tooth, while sometimes removing the tooth is the best possible treatment one can have.
Go through this article to understand when to save the tooth and when it is crucial to extract the tooth.
Before extracting the tooth, your dentist will try her best efforts to save the teeth. In certain dental conditions, a tooth is rather saved with a procedure rather than completely removing it.
Saving the Tooth
A root canal treatment is the best alternative to save a damaged tooth. If the dental nerve (pulp) of your tooth is damaged, infected, or even dead, a root canal is the only available dental treatment to save the tooth. In this process, your dentist will numb the tooth with a local anesthetic. Then create a tiny opening into the tooth, exposing the canals. Using specialized tools, your dentist will clean out all decay and damaged tissue to disinfect the canals. Once the canal is cleaned, it will be filled with a sealant, which will protect the teeth against infection. Afterward, the tooth is then restored for further protection and functionality by your dentist.
You can save your teeth for some dental problems like:
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Persistent toothache
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
- Tooth discoloration
- Tooth mobility
- Tooth decay (not severe), etc.
If the dental issues are in the mild to moderate stage, saving a tooth with a root canal is an option for you. In such a condition, saving the teeth would be better than removing them. In fact, the root canal is considered a restorative procedure, and it helps in saving the natural structure of the tooth.
Now, let’s understand when tooth extraction is mandatory to keep oral health in good shape.
Removing the tooth
While it is consistently advisable to save a tooth, there are circumstances when the extraction is a must. In specific dental issues, the severely damaged tooth should be removed to stop further complications. When a tooth is broken, particularly if it is broken beneath the gum line or in a few places, an extraction is recommended to prevent further complications. For instance, in the event that the tooth is too fragile or damaged, it would be ideal to have it pulled.
Some of the primary causes of tooth extraction include:
- Irreparable tooth injury due to severe decay
- Eliminate teeth overcrowding
- Impacted teeth
- Treat periodontal disease
- Tooth damage due to trauma
If you need to remove the severely damaged tooth, your dentist will guide you through the process. Before extracting a tooth, your dentist will thoroughly evaluate your medical and dental history and take X-rays. The X-rays show the length, shape, and position of the tooth and surrounding bone, which helps the dentist find the best way to remove the tooth or refer you to an oral surgeon.
Certainly, there are two types of tooth extractions you might have. The simple extraction is the one that is visible in your mouth. Commonly, a general dentist can perform simple extractions. During this extraction, your dentist will anesthetize the tooth and gum tissue and loosen the tooth removing it with dental forceps.
Further, a surgical extraction is a more complicated procedure used for a tooth removal that may have broken off at the gum line. Oral surgeons usually perform surgical extractions; however, general dentists also can complete this procedure as well. During this tooth extraction procedure, the dentist will make a small cut into your gum and remove the underlying tooth.
When a tooth is severely damaged due to injury, infection, or any other reason, tooth extraction is the best possible alternative dental treatment. Sometimes, tooth extraction is essential to prevent further complications.
Whether you think you require teeth removal or teeth can be saved, let your dentist make the decision. In certain situations, teeth extraction is mandatory for the betterment of oral health, while sometimes treatments like root can save the damaged tooth.
If you are looking at dental care treatment near Roswell, GA, TruCare Dentistry is there for you. We provide a wide range of dental treatments, from cosmetic dentistry to general dentistry for all. Whether you need to have a root canal to save your tooth or you need a tooth extraction, we can help. Our dental treatments are performed through highly qualified professionals under the standard healthcare protocols. Schedule an appointment with us to get the best dental care treatments in Roswell, GA.